The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Manchán Magan joins The Last Word to discuss the forgotten presence of Irish monks, migrants and storytellers in Iceland and how the two island nations have more in common than is often remembered. He uncovers all of this in his latest book 'Ireland in Iceland: Gaelic Remnants in a Nordic Land'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

In this discussion, tech expert Andy O'Donoghue shares his insights on the latest home security technology. He highlights the Nest Protect, which not only detects smoke but also carbon monoxide, offering smart features like voice alerts. He dives into innovative devices like the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi freeze detector and smart plugs for energy management. Andy also emphasizes the importance of affordable water leak detectors and their growing presence in the market, showcasing how these gadgets can enhance home safety.

Writer and actor Peter Hanly spoke to Matt about his upcoming play What Are You Afraid Of? A well known actor of stage, TV and film for many years, the play deals with Peter's experience of stage-fright and the impact on his career.Peter also discussed his favourite books, music, TV, film and more.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

A recent report reveals that 10% of Irish households boast a net wealth exceeding €1 million, while the poorest hold less than €2,400. This stark wealth divide sparks a conversation on the economic implications for homeowners versus renters. The discussion dives into the left-wing critique of local property taxes in Ireland, and transitions into a deep analysis of U.S.-China trade agreements and their potential fallout, especially concerning tariffs and key industries. It's a compelling look at wealth and global economic dynamics.

According to research carried out by Raisin Bank, the average budget for a wedding in Ireland is between €10,000 and €20,000.It also found that 45% of those surveyed were willing to go into debt to cover the cost of the big day, with 1 in 4 couples spending up to €50,000.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Travel expert Sarah Slattery runs travelexpert.ie and shares top summer travel tips. She discusses essential luggage choices perfect for Ryanair travelers, highlighting the importance of bag sizes to avoid fees. Sarah recommends must-have gadgets for families, including versatile travel adapters and packing cubes. She emphasizes checking passport validity and staying informed about travel regulations. Lastly, her insights on travel insurance ensure listeners are covered for a stress-free adventure, with tips on navigating car hire costs.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of the Marine Corps to Los Angeles as protests over immigration raids continue across the city. Marion McKeone and Larry Donnelly join The Last Word to discuss the escalating tensions in LA and more of the latest news from the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

AsIAm and PTSB have launched the 2025 Autism Friendly Towns Initiative, which asks villages, towns and cities around Ireland to become genuinely inclusive to autistic people in their communities.Adam Harris, Chief Executive of AsIAm, joined Matt on Tuesday to explain the initiative further and highlight how you can get involved.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Cork put a stop to Limerick’s bid for 7 Munster titles in a row on Saturday night when they beat John Kiely’s side after extra time and penalties.Elsewhere, Kilkenny made it 6 titles in a row in Leinster as they overcame Galway at Croke Park on Sunday.Matt spoke to Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan and John McIntyre about the weekend’s action.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Last week, TikTok blocked users from searching the term “#skinnytok”, after critics suggested it directs people towards content that “idolises extreme thinness”.The content associated with the hashtag included workout routines and what users eat in a day.But how effective will TikTok's move be, and should social media giants do more to prevent such trends developing?Rachel O’Dwyer, Writer and Lecturer in Digital Cultures at NCAD and Barry Murphy, Research and Policy Officer with BodyWhys, spoke to Matt on Monday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.