

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

Mar 4, 2025 • 24min
The Last Word On The US: Trump Freezes Military Aid To Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has paused all shipments of military aid to Ukraine following his heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest actions from the increasingly volatile Trump administration.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Mar 4, 2025 • 14min
Jim McGuinness Says League Final Is Diminished By Condensed Calendar
After 5 rounds of the Allianz National Football League, Donegal sit in second place in the table, level on points with leaders Galway.However, after Donegal’s comeback win against Derry on Sunday, manager Jim McGuinness said that many teams in Division One don’t want to reach the league final because the provincial championships start just one week later.Former All-Ireland winner with Galway, Ray Silke, and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about McGuinness’ comments on Monday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Mar 3, 2025 • 40min
Zelenskyy Says End Of Ukraine War Still “Very Far Away”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that a deal to end the war between Russia & Ukraine is “very, very far away”, following a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday evening. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told European leaders that Europe is now at a “crossroads in history”, as eighteen heads of states met to discuss how best to defend Ukraine.Lara Marlowe, journalist based in Paris and Nick Ferrari, Presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio spoke to Matt about the European view of the issue.Matt was later joined by Thomas Byrne TD, Minister for State at the Department of Defence, Dr. Edward Burke, Lecturer in the History of War at UCD and regular US contributors Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone to discuss the story further.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversations.

Mar 3, 2025 • 8min
Ireland's Next Big Busker - Joe Sweeney
As part of The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, Today FM is looking for Ireland's best up and coming busker!Joe Sweeney is one of the musicians competing to be crowned Ireland's Next Big Busker. He joins The Last Word to talk about his busking journey. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Feb 28, 2025 • 22min
The Week Trending
98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan and Irish Times advice columnist, and Hot Press movies editor, Roe McDermott sit down with Matt to go through all the biggest stories of week.From Donald Trump’s bizarre AI Gaza video to the Tates' stateside visit and why Sophie and Jack have become such popular names. Get all the week's action by hitting 'Listen' here.

Feb 28, 2025 • 12min
Micheal Martin Invited To White House On March 12
Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, discussed the Taoiseach’s upcoming trip to Washington DC.He also reacted to the repatriation flight that deported 32 people back to Georgia from Ireland.To listen to the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

Feb 27, 2025 • 17min
What Disney's 'Say Nothing' Got Wrong About The Murder Of Jean McConville
Journalist and author Martin Dillon joins The Last Word to discuss the role played by women in the Troubles and the toll it took on them, as described in his new book 'The Sorrow and the Loss'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Feb 27, 2025 • 13min
Who Will Be The Big Winners At This Year’s Oscars?
Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress, joined Matt for this week’s movies slot on The Last Word.She predicted who she thinks will win big at Sunday night’s Academy Awards and discussed the release of “The Last Showgirl” starring Pamela Anderson.Matt and Roe also remembered the Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, whose death was announced on Thursday morning alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Feb 27, 2025 • 12min
How Rural Depopulation Is Impacting GAA Clubs
At GAA Congress in Donegal last weekend, president Jarlath Burns described rural depopulation as “a full-blown crisis” for the association.Speaking at the event, Mr. Burns said “it is unconscionable that we would be the generation who preside over the permanent demise of rural Ireland.”So, what can the GAA do to ensure rural clubs in Ireland survive?Michael Foley, sportswriter with The Sunday Times, spoke to Matt about the issue.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Feb 27, 2025 • 13min
Number Of Bears, Wolves And Lynx On The Rise Across Europe
Following the introduction of several conservation measures, the number of brown bears has risen by 17% across Europe since 2016. Experts have seen a 12% rise in the Eurasian lynx and a 16% jump in the number of wolverines over the same time period.Environment commentator John Gibbons joined Matt on Thursday to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.


