The Last Word with Matt Cooper

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' is out in cinemas this weekend. The film, which is predicted to have the biggest opening weekend of any music biopic, follows the star's rise to fame with the Jackson 5 through to his hugely successful solo career but ends just before child abuse allegations against Jackson began to come to light. Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review 'Michael' as well as the psychological drama 'Mother Mary' which stars Anne Hathaway and 'Exit 8', a Japanese horror film that takes a refreshing approach. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week on The Last Word on the Environment, John Gibbons tells us how climate change is making your hayfever worse They also discuss the government's environmental strategy and much more Hit Play on this page to listen now

This week, Apple announced that Tim Cook would be stepping down as its CEO after nearly 15 years in the role, with head of hardware engineering, John Ternus, succeeding him in September. What does the future hold for the company, and what are the biggest challenges facing Ternus when he takes over? Andy O’Donoghue joins Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Gavan Reilly, political correspondent with Virgin Media and presenter of Monday With Gavan Reilly, is the latest guest to join The Last Word for the Culture Club. He chats to Matt all about his favourite music, movies, tv shows and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Tickets for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor will go on sale for Irish golf fans this Friday and on Wednesday, the the cost of attending the competition was revealed. One ticket will cost a record-breaking €499 per day, which significantly higher than the €638 price when it was held in Rome in 2023. Larry Donnelly, Lecturer in Law at the University of Galway and avid golfer, speaks to Matt on The Last Word about how ordinary punters are being priced out of attending major sporting events. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

In 1958, Northern Ireland Prime Minister Terence O'Neill had a plan to drain Lough Neagh. In her latest novel, Few And Far Between, Jan Carson has imaged what would have happen if the plan had been complete, and who might have sought refuge in there during the conflict years. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic after the publication reported allegations of "excessive drinking and unexplained absences". Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and Trump's latest comments about the war in Iran. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

In 2022, journalist Ellen Coyne revealed that teachers and judges involved in Irish dancing had been accused of “feis-fixing”, after information suggesting that competition results had been agreed ahead of time was leaked. She has now released her book ‘Dirty Dancing: The Inside Story of the Irish Dancing Cheating Scandal”, in which she showcases the dark side of the sport and how it was impacted by the controversy. She speaks to Matt on Tuesday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Part II of “Young Forever: The Death of Ageing?” airs on RTE on Monday night, in which presenter Kathryn Thomas explores the lengths people are willing to go to in order to not only slow down the ageing process, but also prolong their life. She joins Matt on The Last Word to tell him what she discovered. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor of the Irish Times, explains that as yet, it is not known the exact charges that Daniel Kinahan would face in Ireland. He also discusses the potential timeline and garda operation that would be necessary if he is extradited. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some of the great destinations Irish holidaymakers can fly to from Shannon Airport. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

In a breaking news story, cartel boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences. Stephen Breen, crime editor with the Irish Sun, joins The Last Word to discuss this sensational development. After that, Kieran Cunningham and Orla Ryan join to discuss the week's trending stories including a short-lived attempt to oust Taoiseach Micheál Martin as Fianna Fáil leader and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth channeling his inner Quentin Tarantino. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Living City Initiative, which aims to encourage the redevelopment of rundown properties in Ireland, will now be applicable in Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny and Sligo from Friday. The initiative offers tax relief for the conversion or refurbishment of buildings in areas that have high levels of dereliction and vacancy. Will the scheme convince people to revamp their properties? Jude Sherry, Founder & Director of Anois, and John McGahon, Chief Executive of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce speak to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the discussion.

As people continue to be impacted by the price of fuel, there have been calls for the carbon tax to be scrapped. However, if that were to happen, how would that impact Ireland’s climate targets? Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Irish Rail will increase security on board its services after incidents of racial abuse, violence and drunken behaviour were reported by passengers last year. Jane Cregan, Deputy Corporate Communications Manager at Irish Rail, joins Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.

Innovative home security devices are not just about monitoring for potential intruders, but can also send alerts of leaks or fire in the home. From smart locks to subscription-free monitoring devices, Andy O'Donoghue runs through the very latest in home security. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Singer Megan Walsh joins The Last Word for the Culture Club. The former member of Celtic Woman has just brought out her first solo single 'Mo Chroí'. She chats to Will all about that as well as her favourite music, movies and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Wednesday’s The Last Word, Will O’Callaghan speaks to Munster and Ireland outhalf Jack Crowley. Crowley is playing off the back of an impressive Six Nations campaign and is now looking to finish the season strongly with crucial games in the URC on Munster’s horizon. He speaks to Will about continuing his form from the national team to Munster’s, his disappointment in the province’s exit from the Challenge Cup at the hands of Exeter and what it’s like to work alongside Johnny Sexton. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

New research by Core Research as part of the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey has found that homeowners have resorted to carrying out home improvements rather than moving as a shortage of housing supply is making it too expensive to do so. Charlie Weston speaks to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word for Wednesday’s weekly personal finance slot. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

On Tuesday, the death was announced of renowned singer, songwriter and harpist Moya Brennan. From Gaoth Dobhair in Co. Donegal, Brennan was a member of the multi-award-winning group Clannad alongside her siblings. She also had a hugely successful solo career, which saw her win an Emmy Award in 2011 for her work on the “Music of Ireland: Welcome Home” documentary. John Caddell and Dee Reddy join Daniel McConnell to pay tribute to her. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.