

The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Today FM
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 9min
Will Of Freddie Scappaticci To Be Sealed For 70 Years
The will of the man believed to be Britain’s top agent inside the IRA will not be made public after the British High Court ruled that it should be sealed for 70 years.Freddie Scappaticci, also known as Stakeknife, denied the claims until his death in 2023.Richard O’Rawe, author of Stakeknife’s Dirty War, spoke to Matt to discuss the decision.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Jul 29, 2025 • 16min
The Last Word On TV & Streaming: South Park Takes On Donald Trump
Elaine Burke and Joe O'Shea join The Last Word to discuss the latest news in TV and streaming including South Park's Donald Trump episode and the death of former wrestling star Hulk Hogan.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Jul 28, 2025 • 23min
Kerry Crowned All Ireland Champions
Marc O Sé, Eamonn McGee, Ray Silke and Will O'Callaghan review the All-Ireland football final which saw Kerry dominate from the start and beat Donegal.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Jul 28, 2025 • 11min
Essential Workers Are Being Priced Out Of Commuter Towns
New analysis has found that a nurse and a garda with a combined salary of €107,000 would be unable to afford a 3-bed semi-detached house in a number of Ireland's main commuter towns.Niall Hodgins, vice president of the Garda Representative Association, and Phil Ní Sheaghdha, general secretary of the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation, join The Last Word to discuss what this means for essential workers.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Jul 28, 2025 • 10min
The Last Word On Travel: Train Travel In Europe
Travel journalist Ed Finn joins The Last Word to discuss the appeal of train travel and the best routes in Europe. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Jul 25, 2025 • 30min
All-Ireland Senior Football Final 2025 Preview: Donegal vs Kerry
On Sunday, Donegal will face Kerry in the All-Ireland Senior Football Football Final at Croke Park.After such an exciting Gaelic football season under the new rules, are we set for a final for the ages? Could Jim McGuinness or Jack O'Connor spring any surprises to counter the attacking threat posed by their opposition?Former All-Ireland winners Marc Ó'Sé, Eamon Mc Gee and Ray Silke gave their predictions on Friday's The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Jul 25, 2025 • 33min
The Week Trending: Michael Flatley's Bid For President, Irish Stereotypes, & BBC Says It Did Not Cut Irish From CMAT Song
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to seek nomination to become Ireland's next president, Hollywood's Irish stereotypes, and the BBC says it did not edit the Irish-language out of a portion of CMAT's latest single.Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications clinic, and broadcaster Fionnuala Jones join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Jul 24, 2025 • 16min
CNN’s John King On Trump’s Presidency, Freedom Of Speech & The Epstein Files
On Thursday, Matt spoke to CNN anchor and Chief National Correspondent John King ahead of his appearance in Dublin’s National Concert Hall and the Town Hall Theatre in Galway in September.Matt asked him about US President Donald Trump’s second term in office, how the Epstein files may impact his popularity and the challenges facing journalists in an era where misinformation is a significant issue.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Jul 24, 2025 • 11min
Why Are Companies Demanding Staff Return To The Office?
A decision by AIB to require staff eligible for hybrid working to return to the office at least three days a week has sparked outrage amongst many of the bank's employees.This follows a trend of companies rolling back on remote working allowances which were implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.John O’Connell, general secretary with the Financial Services Union, and Peter Cosgrove, managing director of Futurewise, join The Last Word to debate whether companies are right to insist on a return to the office.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Jul 24, 2025 • 12min
Tech Thursday: The Best Travel Tech Part 2
Tech expert Andy O’Donoghue shares insights on must-have travel gadgets to enhance your journey. He highlights innovative backpacks with anti-theft features and stylish designs perfect for any traveler. Discover how to turn a standard backpack into a smart charging hub and the benefits of dedicated Wi-Fi hotspots like the Solus Pro 5G. O’Donoghue also recommends cool tech essentials for photography enthusiasts and personal care, ensuring you stay connected and looking great while on the road.


