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The Last Word with Matt Cooper

News & Politics Podcasts

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.

Location:

Dublin, Ireland

Description:

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.

Twitter:

@lstwrd

Language:

English

Contact:

83 410 0102


Episodes
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All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Finals Preview

7/4/2025
Croke Park will host a bumper weekend of senior hurling championship action as we reach the All-Ireland semi-final stage. On Saturday, Dublin will face Cork while on Sunday, old rivals Tipperary and Kilkenny go head to head. Matt spoke to Jamesie O’Connor, Aidan ‘Taggy’ Fogarty and John McIntyre about what we can look forward to over the coming days. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Duration:00:25:39

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The Week Trending: Crying At Work, Televising Electric Picnic & Dublin's 'Nee Naw' Service

7/4/2025
A tearful moment from UK chancellor Rachel Reeves in the House of Commons attracts criticism and solidarity, calls for Electric Picnic to be televised and Dublin city gets a new mobile unit to help late night revelers. Alison Healy and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:23:02

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Money-Back Guarantees Lure Gamblers To Bet More, New Report Finds

7/3/2025
A new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that offers like free bets and money-back guarantees from gambling companies convince people to place more bets, leaving punters at risk of gambling addiction. Dr Diarmaid Ó Ceallaigh, Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the ESRI Behavioural Research Unit and Professor Colin O’Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St. John Of God Hospital spoke to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Duration:00:08:24

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BirdWatch Ireland Identifies Critical Areas For Conserving Irish Seabirds

7/3/2025
BirdWatch Ireland has released a map highlighting over 70 of the most vital areas for seabirds around the country. Under EU legislation, Ireland must designate areas to protect the lifecycle of birds. Environment commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Duration:00:14:31

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Tech Thursday: Tech To Keep Kids Entertained This Summer

7/3/2025
Do you want to encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors this summer? Or are you looking for ways to keep them learning over the break? Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through the best tech to keep kids busy during the summer holidays. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:12:45

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Netflix And Spotify To Team Up For Live Gigs

7/3/2025
Streaming giants Netflix and Spotify are in talks to team up and bring live concerts and award shows to audiences worldwide. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:09:09

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Culture Club: Ciara Geraghty

7/2/2025
Writer Ciara Geraghty is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. The author of ten novels for adults has now written her first children's book 'Wanda Broom' and she joins The Last Word to chat through her favourite music, books, movies and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:31:56

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DJ Carey Pleads Guilty To 10 Charges Of Deception

7/2/2025
Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey has pleaded guilty to ten charges of deception by falsely claiming he needed money for cancer treatment. Mr. Carey, who won 5 All-Irelands with his county, was due to stand trial today on 21 fraud and forgery charges. Today FM’s Courts Correspondent, Frank Greaney, joined Matt to explain what happened in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Duration:00:08:38

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The Last Word On The US: Trump And Musk Feud Reignites Over 'Big, Beautiful Bill'

7/1/2025
The feud between billionaire Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump has reignited as the Tesla chief renews his criticism of Trump's tax and spending bill. Musk claims that the legislation, known as "The Big Beautiful Bill", would undermine the work he did to cut government spending while in charge of Doge. Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas join The Last Word to discuss the clash between the former allies and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:17:37

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Conor McGregor Withdraws Application To Introduce New Evidence In Appeal

7/1/2025
Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor this morning withdrew his application to introduce new evidence as part of an appeal against the outcome of his civil rape trial. Last year, Nikita Hand won a lawsuit against the Mr. McGregor, whom she accused of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Frank Greaney, Today FM's Courts Correspondent, joined Matt on The Last Word. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

Duration:00:12:34

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Meath, Kerry, Donegal And Tyrone Advance To The All-Ireland Gaelic Football Semi-Finals

6/30/2025
The four All-Ireland senior football semi-finalists were confirmed at the weekend after another hugely entertaining weekend of championship action. On Saturday, an impressive second half performance saw Donegal overcome Monaghan and 2021 champions Tyrone beat Dublin, leading to Dessie Farrell's resignation as Dublin manager. On Sunday, Meath put an end to Galway’s All-Ireland hopes while Kerry dumped current champions Armagh out of the competition. Matt spoke to Colm Keys, GAA Correspondent with the Irish Independent and Ray Silke, former All-Ireland winning captain with Galway, about the results. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Duration:00:24:24

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Last Word On Travel: Dubrovnik

6/30/2025
Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is an affordable choice for a European short trip. From the boat tours, day trips, sunset cocktails and walking the city’s famous walls, Travelexpert.ie Sarah Slattery ran through the best of what the Croatian city has to offer. To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

Duration:00:10:30

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BBC Says It Regrets Not Cutting Live Stream Of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury Set

6/30/2025
UK police have launched a criminal investigation into comments made at Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s Glastonbury performances. This follows comments from the BBC stating that it regretted not cutting the stream of Bob Vylan’s performance, saying its “antisemitic sentiments” were “utterly unacceptable”. Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke spoke to Matt on Monday. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Duration:00:09:32

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The Week Trending: The Rise Of Mamdani, The €48m Bezos Wedding & Will The BBC Show Kneecap At Glastonbury?

6/27/2025
US Republicans and Democrats are sent in a spin as 'socialist' Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez take over Venice for star-studded wedding, and Glastonbury organisers say Kneecap will play, but will the BBC air the performance? Marion McKeone and Joe O'Shea join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:25:35

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Are Prize Bonds Still A Worthwhile Investment?

6/27/2025
Sales of Prize Bonds topped €350 million in 2024 but this was a significant drop on previous years. Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss whether Prize Bonds are still an attractive and worthwhile investment? Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:12:08

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The Best Wines To Try This Summer

6/27/2025
Wine expert Brigid O'Hora joins The Last Word to run through the best wines to enjoy this summer. She has picked a selection to suit all tastes including a crisp and refreshing vinho verde, a delicate rosé, and even a beautiful red for those die-hard red wine drinkers. Find a list of Brigid's choices below and catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page! Aimery Cremant de Limoux Rose Escapada Vinho Verde, Minho Valley, Lisbon, Portugal Springfield Estate, Miss Lucy, Roberston, South Africa Avanzi, Lugana Rose di Rosavero DOC, Lake Garda, Italy Monte Santoccio Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy

Duration:00:16:35

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EU Votes To Ban Airline Fees For Carry-On Bags And Family Seats

6/26/2025
European politicians are seeking to ban airlines from charging passengers for small carry-on luggage or charging for families to sit together on a flight, in moves strongly opposed by the aviation sector. Eoghan Corry, travel and viation journalist, and Kevin Hiney, communications director with Airlines for Europe, join The Last Word to discuss these proposed measures. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:09:40

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Tech Thursday: The Best AI Assistants For Home, Office And Car

6/26/2025
From time trackers, smart home organisers to advanced driver assistants, Andy O'Donoghue outlined the best AI assistants to use for in the home, for work and for motoring. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Duration:00:10:45

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Penneys To Cut 100 Jobs At Dublin HQ

6/26/2025
Primark, the parent company of Penneys, is planning to cut around 100 jobs at the its Dublin head office as the company moves to outsource some of its human resources, finance and procurement activities. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Duration:00:07:31

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The Culture Club: R B Egan

6/25/2025
Author and former actor R B Egan was Matt's guest in the Culture Club, he spoke about the inspiration for his new crime novel, The Landlord. He also discussed his favourite music, film, TV, and books.

Duration:00:31:34