The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Former State Pathologist Marie Cassidy spoke to Matt about her second novel, Deadly Evidence, a thriller following the investigative work of a fictional state pathology who must help solve the murder of garda detective. Marie also discussed her favourite music, gigs, books, film, TV and more. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Andrew Porter is best known for playing as a loosehead prop for Leinster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. He has released his autobiography “Heart on My Sleeve: My Story of Struggle and Strength” in which he details how his mother’s death when he was 12 years old impacted his mental health, his subsequent eating disorder and how fatherhood has changed his perspective in every aspect of his life. He spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Have you ever considered how the clothes you wear were made? Would you choose more sustainable options if they were clearly labelled? Dr Shane Timmons joined The Last Word to discuss new research conducted by the ESRI's Behavioural Unit which found that 'eco labels', which highlight an item of clothing's environmental impact, lead shoppers to make more sustainable choices. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Cal Thomas, US nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone discussed Donald Trump's 24 hour diplomatic mission to the Middle East and his speech in the Israeli Knesset. They also looked ahead to Friday's Washington meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

At the beginning of October, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album 'The Life Of A Showgirl'. Swift reunited with producer Max Martin for this album, who worked alongside her on the hugely successful Red, 1989 and Reputation records. However, her latest album hasn't been as universally lauded has her previous work. Having recently finished her Era's Tour, is Swift suffering from creative fatigue? John Caddell & Dee Reddy spoke to Matt on Tuesday's The Last Word. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Fergus Farrell, former rugby player and author of Rebuilding A Man, spoke to Matt about a freak accident that caused a spinal injury and his long, challenging road back to recovery. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Did you know that Hillery was forced to deal with rumours of his extramarital affair at a time when the Pope was visiting Ireland? Or that he was embroiled in political controversy when senior members of Fianna Fáil made calls to Áras an Uachtaráin to try and persuade the president not to dissolve the Dáil? In this episode of Think You Know...The Presidents?, Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy find the real scandals behind what was considered a largely uneventful presidency.

On Monday, Matt met Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, as he launched his new autobiography 'The Only Way I Know'. Farrell spoke openly about his working class upbringing in Wigan, the characteristics required to lead a professional team and his experience of becoming a father to his son Owen when he himself was just a teenager. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Barry Kenny from Irish Rail outlined the changes to rail timetables and travel times, that will increase the commuter belt around Dublin. To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

This week on The Week Trending Matt is joined by Broadcaster and Author Aoife Barry and Head of Training at Communications Clinic Lorcan Nyhan to discuss the week's biggest trending stories. This week they discuss Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys' criticism of Joe Brolly's ‘very misogynistic’ podcast comments, Nigel Farage's attack on football pundit Gary Neville and Hollywood's first completely AI actor Tilly Norwood Hit Play on this page to listen now

Matt is joined by Lew Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist at The Journal Larry Donnelly to discuss Venezuela's Opposition Leader María Corina Machado win of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The politician has been in hiding since August 2024. US President Donald Trump had been lobbying for the prize having been nominated by several governments including Israel Hit Play on this page to listen now

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.