The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Last year, Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam when he won The Masters at Augusta after a rollercoaster weekend.But why are sports fans so drawn to McIlroy, and can winning the green jacket propel him to further greatness for the remainder of his career?Journalist Alan Shipnuck has released a new book called "Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf's Most Human Superstar", in which he talks about how the Co. Down man became golf's most intriguing player of his generation.Hit the 'Play' button to hear his chat with Matt on The Last Word.

David Kitt, Irish singer-songwriter known for The Big Romance, celebrates a 25th anniversary re-recording and tour. He explains reclaiming rights and the forensic remaking of tracks. He reflects on vinyl, reunion shows, musical influences from The Beatles to My Bloody Valentine, and memorable live moments like Nina Simone.

Ronan McGreevy, journalist and author who edited Seán Lemass’s lost interviews, discusses uncovering 22 hours of recordings and shaping them into a memoir. He describes finding hidden inquest details, Lemass’s early political rise, economic reforms with T.K. Whitaker, efforts toward EEC membership, and approaches to Northern Ireland and international policy.

Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor at the Irish Independent, shares practical money-saving tips. He talks about growing your own food, preparing for fuel issues and small habits to improve fuel efficiency. He covers smarter grocery shopping, switching energy suppliers for big savings, fixing your mortgage before rates rise, reviewing health insurance and claiming tax refunds.

Shona Murray, Europe correspondent at Euronews, outlines EU energy policy tensions and geopolitical fallout. Paul Hackett, travel industry leader, describes booking shifts, route cuts and fuel supply impacts. Michael O'Leary, Ryanair CEO, warns of jet fuel hedging risks and possible supply disruptions. They discuss flight scarcity, long-haul route changes and EU moves toward renewables and subsidies.

'All Them Dogs' by Djamel White is one of the most eagerly anticipated Irish debut novels of 2026.It follows a young man who returns to west Dublin and a life of gangland crime following a period abroad. He finds himself working closely with an enforcer for a local crime boss and it soon becomes apparent that there is mutual attraction between the pair.Djamel joins The Last Word to discuss his debut novel and his journey to publication.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Amid the ongoing war in Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said that high-ranking Iranian officials were killed because they “strung” President Donald Trump’s administration along in efforts to end the conflict.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said that the government needs to take action to combat the impact of inflation on workers and the unemployed in Ireland.The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) showed that prices rose by 3.6% in March of this year, an increase from 2.5% in February.General Secretary of ICTU, Owen Reidy, speaks to Matt about his concerns on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Will O'Callaghan, sports broadcaster known for tactical Gaelic analysis, and Ray Silke, former All-Ireland winning Galway captain and analyst, dissect Donegal's big league win. They debate Michael Murphy's controversial strike and refereeing calls. They unpack Donegal's tactical tweaks, Kerry's missing stars, kickout trends and the hooter controversy. Quick, sharp and focused football talk.

Elaine Burke, Irish TV critic who curates picks and reviews, and Joe O'Shea, journalist and media commentator, discuss TV and streaming highlights. They unpack Ireland v Czechia viewing figures and RTÉ Player streams. They examine the viral Harry Potter trailer and debates around reboots, casting and commercial incentives. They also compare prestige dramas like Netflix's Kennedys to royal portrayals.