
The Last Word with Matt Cooper
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 14, 2025 • 13min
Why Boxing Is Darker Than It Ever Was Before
Author and journalist Donald McRae has written his latest book “The Last Bell: Life, Death and Boxing”.He’s followed the careers of some of the biggest names in the sport, including Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Katie Taylor.But after 50 years of covering boxing so intently, why did he find himself falling out of love with it?Donald joined Will O’Callaghan on Friday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Mar 14, 2025 • 19min
The Week Trending: New Old Trafford, The Taoiseach's White House Visit & St Patrick's Day Crackdown
Manchester United unveils plan to build a new stadium beside Old Trafford, gardaí prepare for St Patrick's Day in Dublin and was the Taoiseach's trip to the White House a success?Joe O’Shea, editor of Cork Beo, and Sinead O’Carroll, editor of TheJournal.ie, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Mar 13, 2025 • 15min
The Last Word On The Environment: What Is Climate Whiplash?
A new report has shown that climate whiplash is making an impact in cities such as Madrid and Riyadh, which sees the weather swing between extreme wet and dry spells as a result of rising global temperatures.Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Will O’Callaghan to discuss the findings.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Mar 13, 2025 • 10min
Tech Thursday: What Are The Alternatives To Amazon?
Are you thinking of shopping online but want to find alternatives to Amazon?On this week’s Tech Thursday, Andy O’Donoghue spoke to Will O’Callaghan to give his recommendations on the options available to you.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Mar 12, 2025 • 32min
Culture Club: Maria Kelly
Irish folk singer Maria Kelly was the latest guest to be inducted into The Last Word’s Culture Club.She talked to Ian Guider about the music, literature, film and TV that influenced her from when she was young to the present day.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear her choices.

Mar 12, 2025 • 8min
Why Retailers Have Given Up Protecting Their Stock From Shoplifters
Many Irish retailers have given up challenging shoplifters stealing from their stores due to the number of defamation actions being taken, according to a group representing small and medium enterprise.Neil McDonnell, chief executive of Isme, estimates defamation cases are costing small businesses in Ireland up to €70 million each year. He joins The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button!

Mar 12, 2025 • 36min
Tariffs, Gaza & Ukraine - Taoiseach Meets With US President At The White House
Tariffs, Gaza and the 'massive' trade deficit between Ireland and the US were among the issues raised during Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, and Sarah Carey, Irish Independent columnist, join The Last Word to discuss how the Taoiseach's White House visit went and what could come from it.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Mar 11, 2025 • 8min
Nightmare Continues For US Stock Markets As Trump Doubles Canadian Metal Tariffs
The US stock market has plunged again after US President Donald Trump announced he will double the already planned tariffs on Canadian metal imports.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the market's reaction to Trumps latest moves and more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Mar 11, 2025 • 19min
The Last Word On The US: Trump Escalates Trade War With Canada As Concerns Grow Over US Recession
US President Donald Trump's plan to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% is the latest in a series of trade policy moves that are driving concerns about a recession in the United States.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Mar 11, 2025 • 10min
Manchester United Announce Plans To Build “World’s Greatest Stadium”, Replacing Old Trafford
On Tuesday, Manchester United announced plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium, which is estimated to cost approximately two billion pounds.But given the financial difficulties that United have faced in recent years, is the idea feasible?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
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