The Last Word with Matt Cooper

In this engaging discussion, Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic for the Sunday Times and one-half of the GastroGays, explores Glasgow and Krakow as culinary havens. He highlights Glasgow's quirky deep-fried treats, like the iconic deep-fried Mars bar, and its role in popularizing chicken tikka masala. Russell also shares tips on must-try dishes in Krakow, from comforting pierogi to the unique zurek soup. With recommendations for local gems and insights into the evolving dining scenes of both cities, it’s a feast for food lovers!

In this gripping discussion, Frank Greaney, Today FM's courts correspondent, shares insights into the shocking case of former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey, sentenced to five and a half years for defrauding 22 victims by fabricating a cancer diagnosis. Greaney details the judge's remarks about Carey's exploitation of goodwill and outlines the significant financial losses suffered by victims. He also covers Carey's late guilty pleas, mitigating factors surrounding his reputation and health, and the potential for prison remission.

Ireland will play New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday night in a repeat fixture of Ireland's memorable 40-29 win in 2016.Billy Holland, Paul Wallace and Matt Williams previewed the game on Friday's The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? A Vogue article, which went viral this week, has claimed that women are increasingly keeping their relationship under wraps.Cathal O’Sullivan, 98FM producer, and Emily Keegan, multimedia reporter with Today FM, joined The Last Word to discuss this and more of the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, and Eimear Ni Bhraonain, author of The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal, were at the sentencing hearing of DJ Carey.The former Kilkenny hurling legend will be sentenced on Monday after he admitted defrauding 13 people by claiming he needed money to pay for cancer treatment.Judge Martin Nolan said a custodial sentence was inevitable.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Writer Michael Harding joined The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Midwinter: A Journey Through a Season' which explores the cycle of death and renewal that winter brings.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Writer and comedian Ben Elton joined The Last Word to discuss his new memoir 'What Have I Done?'.He spoke about his reflections on his career, the death of studio sitcoms like 'Blackadder', and why he wishes the internet had never been invented.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

To celebrate the release of her new book 'One of Us', author Elizabeth Day joined Matt on The Last Word for the latest edition of the Culture Club.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear all her choices.

Columnist and author Carl Kinsella joined The Last Word to chat about his new book 'At Least it Looks Good from Space: A Catalogue of Modern, Millennial and Personal Catastrophes'.He talks about his experience of living with OCD, the dangers of social media and why he hates Irish mammy jokes. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has announced toll increases on a number of motorways and the Dublin Port Tunnel effective from January 1 next year.Transport commentator Conor Faughnan and Peader Tóibín, Áontú leader and TD for Meath West, join The Last Word to discuss why these tolls are increasing and whether they are the best way to fund the maintenance of the national road network.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!