The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Two years ago, author and academic Dr Katriona O'Sullivan won Biography of the year and Last Word Listeners' Choice at the An Post Irish Book Awards. She talks to Matt about the impact of winning the awards, her best selling book Poor and its follow-up Hungry, to be released in 2026. Dr O'Sullivan also spoke about her new role, heading up the National Centre For Inclusive Higher Education at Maynooth University. Press the ‘play’ button on this page to catch the full conversation.

John Gibbons joins The Last Word to give his assessment of this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Following on from The Last Word Gadget Show, Andy O'Donoghue runs through an A to Z of his best Black Friday and Christmas gifting ideas, from smart luggage to e-readers and smart scales. To catch the full conversation and Andy's best recommendations, press the 'play' button on this page.

Matt and Andy O'Donoghue are joined by broadcaster Fionnuala Jones and she gives her thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2, the PS5 Digital Edition and laptops which are available via Currys.ie. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear her reviews. The Last Word's Gadget Show is with thanks to Currys.

Matt speaks to 98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan and SPIN 1038 Presenter Faye Shortt after they spent the week testing fitness and sound gadgets. From speakers and headphones to fitness watches and ice baths, hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear what they thought of all their choices. The Last Word's Gadget Show is with thanks to Currys.

Ed Smith joins Matt and Andy O'Donoghue to review the best gadgets available to children and families this Christmas. From robot dogs to DJ sets, Ed's got something for everyone. The Last Word's Gadget Show is with thanks to Currys and all products can be found on www.currys.ie.

Today FM Lunchtime presenter Louise Cantillon joins The Last Word to chat about the health and beauty tech that she has been testing for the Gadget Show. From an LED face mask to the Dyson airwrap – press ‘Play’ to hear Louise review all of the gadgets! Products can be found on currys.ie.

As part of The Last Word’s Gadget Show, Russell Alford, 98fm producer and one-half of the GastroGays, has been trying out some incredible food and drink tech including a toaster that makes the perfect toastie, an air fryer for larger families and an at home beer tap. Russell joins Matt and tech journalist Andy O’Donoghue to give his review of all the products he tested. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page! Products can be found on currys.ie.

The Last Word Gadget Show is back! Kicking it off, tech journalists Andy O’Donoghue and Elaine Burke join Matt to review the incredible products that they have been testing including the Meta Ray-ban glasses, an affordable smartphone and a record player. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page! Products can be found on currys.ie.

The White House said on Tuesday that the United States has made “tremendous progress" towards ending the war in Ukraine but further talks are required. Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas join The Last Word to discuss President Donald Trump's renewed push for a peace deal and more of the latest news from the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Last Word is continuing its series exploring the issues faced by commuters travelling to Ireland's cities and this time the focus is on Waterford. Donnchadh Mulcahy, Sinn Fein councillor for Lismore, Sadhbh O’Neill, climate and environmental researcher and Irish Times contributor, and Éadaoin Carrick, president of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, join The Last Word to discuss Waterford's transport and congestion challenges. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The government is often unable to track public spending due to fears it would break GDPR rules leading to issues with finding just where money is going Political Editor at the Irish Daily Mail Craig Hughes joins Daniel McConnell to explain more. Hit Play on this page to listen now

Legendary novelist and presenter Richard Osman joins Matt in studio to talk about his New Book The Impossible Fortune, the latest in the bestselling Thursday Murder Club Mystery series. They also discuss his career, including as a presenter including on Pointless and his podcast alongside Journalist Marina Hyde; The Rest is Entertainment. Hit Play on this page to listen now.

In the fourth instalment of The Last Word’s series on the delays people face on their daily commutes in Ireland, we look at one of the country's busiest cities: Cork. Matt chats to Director of Public Affairs and International Affairs at Cork Chamber, Cathal McSweeney, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central Seamus McGrath and Opinion Editor at the Irish Examiner Deirdre O’Shaughnessy. Hit Play on this page to listen now.

The United States and Ukraine are working on a 'refined' peace plan, aimed at bringing an end to Russia's war, after a leaked US-backed document was criticised for being pro-Russia. Journalist Lara Marlowe joins The Last Word to discuss what is on the cards in the latest peace talks. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Troy Parrott's hattrick in Hungary has kept Ireland's World Cup dream alive but fans will have to fork out a lot of cash if they want to see the Boys In Green take on Czechia in Prague. Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications Clinic, and Elaine Burke, host of For Tech’s Sake podcast, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Last Word continues to look at the difficulties people face on their daily commutes around Ireland. Having already discussed the issues in Galway and its surrounding areas, Friday's focus turns to Dublin. Matt spoke to transport commentator Conor Faughnan, Green Party councillor Janet Horner and Mary Rose Burke, Chief Executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

On this week’s Environment slot, Matt talks to John Gibbons about the noise and air pollution produced by leaf blowers. Meanwhile, in response to an earlier item on the show regarding commuting issues in Galway, John gave his opinion on whether the city needs a new ring road to ease traffic congestion. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

In the second instalment of The Last Word’s series on the delays people face on their daily commutes in Ireland, we look at one of the country's most congested cities: Galway. Matt speaks CEO of Galway Chamber Karen Ronan and former Galway All-Ireland winning captain Ray Silke about their experience of commuting into Galway city and what can be done to help ease the issues. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.

The Government is bringing in emergency regulations to stop companies attempting to dodge the new pension auto-enrolment system by forcing employees to join less favourable schemes. Charlie Weston, personal finance editor of the Irish Independent, and Dr Laura Bambrick, head of social policy with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, join The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!