The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Luke Combs will headline the iconic Slane Castle in 2026, becoming the first country singer to do so. He’ll be supported by The Script, Ty Myers, and The Castellows. Does this move signal a change in direction for the venue, after becoming famous for hosting some of the world’s biggest rock and roll acts? John Caddell & Dee Reddy spoke to Matt on The Last Word.

Critics have accused the government of failing to adequately tackle climate change in Budget 2026, which was announced by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe & Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers on Tuesday. Labour TD Marie Sherlock said that climate action has “fallen off the political agenda”, while presidential candidate and Independent TD Catherine Connolly said that there’s no “recognition” of the issue in the budget. Environmental commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt about this on Thursday. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

This week on Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joined The Last Word to run through all of the best budgeting and money apps. Whether you're saving up for something big or you just want to better manage your money, these apps could help you save some cash. Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!

Why was Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh so divisive? The legal eagle managed to ruffle the feathers of many government officials during his time with one minister branding him a "thundering disgrace". But there are many questions that surround Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh's controversial (and short) term as president. Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy get colourful in their language and share how this presidency ended in such a public insult.

Children's writer and teacher, Leona Forde, was the latest inductee into the Culture Club. Leona spoke to Matt about the latest book in her Milly McCarthy series - Milly McCarthy And The Haunted House HullaBOOloo! She also discussed her favourite books, music, movies and TV shows. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday and US President Donald Trump clearly believes that he deserves the honour. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss whether Trump has a chance of receiving one of the world's most prestigious awards and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!

On Tuesday, the government confirmed that it would not be increasing tax credits or tax bands in Budget 2026. This has left many middle-income earners feeling as though they are worse off than before. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Matt on Wednesday to explain how this could impact your pocket. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers joins The Last Word to discuss Budget 2026 and Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential race. Hear the full conversation by pressing the play button on this page.

Opposition parties have criticised the government on Tuesday after details of Budget 2026 were announced. Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty accused the government of delivering “nothing” for people who are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, and that the budget plans "bear no connection with what's going on out there in the real world". Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe joined Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers have unveiled the details of Budget 2026. The €9.4 billion package includes measure aimed at increasing housing delivery, a VAT reduction for the hospitality sector, and a €500 permanent reduction in student fees but it there is no cost-of-living-package or tax cuts for workers. Ian Guider, business columnist with Business Post, Nancy Fallon, tax partner with KPMG, and Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss what is in Budget 2026. Hear the full conversation by pressing the play button on this page!

Erskine Childer's presidency is something of a tragic tale which begins with his revolutionary father who was executed in 1922, while his then 16 year old son was taken out of his British boarding school to say goodbye. But why did Childer's father's desk secretly haunt him? And how did his wife nearly become his successor? In this second episode of Think You Know...The Presidents, Lise Hand and Flor MacCarthy, jump on board what was Ireland's first presidential bus called the 'Wanderly Wagon' to find out what shaped Childers' presidency.

Russell Alford, one half of the GastroGays and producer of 98FM’s Breakfast Show, joined Matt on Monday for The Last Word on Travel. He took us through all the best spots to sample the local delicacies if you’re planning a trip to Turin or Brussels. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

Matt sits down with sexual assault survivor Bláthnaid Raleigh to discuss her new book 'Aftermath'. In it she tells the story of her five year long wait for justice after she was raped by by Jonathan Moran at a house party in Mullingar in 2019. They also discuss how she feels the justice system added to her stress. Hit Play on this page yo listen now

There are "questions to be answered" within Fianna Fáil after the party's candidate Jim Gavin pulled out of the presidential race on Sunday, according to Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher. Kelleher, who himself made a bid for the Fianna Fáil presidential nomination, joins The Last Word to discuss Gavin's withdrawal and what's next for the party and it's leader, Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!

MAGA has slammed the Pope as being "woke" after he blessed a block of ice; Met Éireann has said it ensured that none of this year's storms would share a name with the presidential candidates; and tributes pour in for writer and documentary maker Manchán Magan who has died aged 55. Fionnuala Jones 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!

Chief Executive at the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins and Social Policy Officer at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Laura Bambrick join Will O'Callaghan to discuss what chnagess could be made for the hospitality sector in Budget 2026 A VAT reduction and more is on the table. Hit Play on this page to listen now

Ecologist Anja Murray has charted Ireland's constantly changing natural world in her new book 'Frog Routes, Polka Dot Newts and Other Treasures of Irish Nature'. She joins The Last Word to discuss the birds, animals and plants that people should look out for in October. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Professor in Transportation at Trinity College Dublin Brian Caulfield and economist Colm McCarthy join Will O'Callaghan to discuss what happens now the Metrolink now it has been granted planning permission. They also discuss whether the Metrolink is the most effective project Hit Play on this page to listen now

John Gibbons joins Will O'Callaghan to discuss the weeks biggest environmental stories . This week they discuss the death of legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, the impact rising sea levels will have on coastal housing and more. Hit Play on this page to listen now

Ireland has one of the incidences of high blood pressure while also having some of the lowest rates of diagnosis Will O'Callaghan is joined by Consultant Cardiologist at the Mater Private Network Dr Paul Hill to discuss choices you can make to improve your blood pressure Hit Play on this page to listen now