Advertise on podcast: The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Local authorities in England are set to receive funding to plant half a million trees in the next three years for protection against extreme weather conditions. How effective will the move be, and should it be considered here in Ireland? Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

It's often said that the solution to Ireland's housing crisis is to build up instead of out. But, apartments are expensive to build and many people have their heart set on having their own front door. Lorcan Sirr, author of 'Housing A Nation', joins The Last Word to discuss how we can make apartments more attractive to Irish homeowners. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

With cooler nights ahead, Andy O’Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss the best tech for keeping your home ready for any weather. To listen to the full chat, press ‘PLAY’ on this page!

Dónal Gallagher is the latest guest on The Last Word's Culture Club! Dónal chats to Matt about his favourite cultural picks and his new biography about his brother Rory - 'Edged in Blue: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher'. Press 'Play' to hear his choices!

In his latest book, Mark Little explores how the internet was created, reminisces when it was an open curious space, and asks, can we get back there?  Mark joined The Last Word to discuss his latest work, The Last Good Day on The Internet.  To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!

Author Louise O'Neill joins The Last Word following the release of her compelling memoir 'A Bigger Life'. Louise chats to Matt about her quest to reclaim her own life which led to an eye opening dating experiment that took her across Paris, London, New York, and beyond. Hear the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The standoff at Drumcree has entered its third day as negotiations continue to find a solution to the parading dispute.  Alex Kane, former director of communications for the Ulster Unionist Party, along with Martina Devlin of the Irish Independent, join The Last Word to discuss the impact these tense days will have on future relations of the two parties.  To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!

Oasis have sold out their Live ’27 tour, including two dates at Slane Castle next September, following a staggered three-day sale which ran from Friday to Sunday. The new process for purchasing tickets was introduced after backlash over the use of dynamic pricing for the band’s 2025 reunion tour. John Caddel and Dee Reddy join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest music news.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that "the hands of a foreign actor" were involved in a suspected terror plot targeting an RAF airbase used by the United States. His comments come after US President Donald Trump criticised UK police for releasing the five men arrested in connection with the incident on bail. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this story and more of the latest news from the US. Press 'Play' to hear the full discussion!

Author Louise Kennedy joins The Last Word to discuss her latest novel 'Stations'. Louise chats to Matt about writing from her own life, the experiences of Irish in London and lots more. Listen to the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Breaking Bad has been crowned the Best TV Show of the 21st Century by The New York Times.  The list of 100 shows has been met with much criticism online, and John O'Shea, along with Elaine Burke, joined The Last Word to give their two cents.  To listen to the full chat, press the 'PLAY' button on this page.

Goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan in the space of 12 minutes against Israel on Sunday secured 3 valuable points for Ireland in the Nations League. The game was overshadowed by events of the previous 24 hours, however, as goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad after expressing his discomfort in playing against Israel. FAI CEO David Courell confirmed in the team’s press conference on Saturday that the players voted in favour of fulfilling the fixture. How damaging has this weekend been for the reputation of the FAI? Will the team be under pressure to fulfil their “home” fixture this weekend? Sportswriter Kieran Cunningham and Fintan Drury, journalist and author of ‘Genocide: Sponsoring the Destruction of Palestine’ speak to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion

Brendan Fanning and Alan Quinlan speak to Matt on The Last Word to preview the new URC season which kicks off this weekend. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

U2 mark fifty years together with a series of surprise gigs. What do Australia's new visa rules mean for young people looking to emigrate? And British Prime Minister Andy Burnham signals that he may lift a ban on drinking alcohol in the stands during football matches. Fionnuala Jones and Eoghan Tómas McDermott join The Last Word to discuss all of these stories and more in The Week Trending. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

'The Lost Children of Tuam', is a powerful new film based on Catherine Corless’s investigation into the former St Mary’s mother-and-baby home in Tuam, Co Galway and the harrowing truth she uncovered. The film's director Frank Berry joins The Last Word to discuss how he brought Corless's extraordinary investigation to the big screen. Hear the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.