The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Today FM
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 10, 2025 • 16min
High Levels Of Burnout Being Experienced By Teachers
A study released by DCU has found that teachers at both primary and secondary level in Ireland are experiencing burnout and poor mental health.The report says that better support is needed to help teachers who face serious challenges in their jobs.Dr. Pia O’Farrell, from the School of Policy and Practice in DCU and co-author of this report and Jennifer Horgan, Irish Examiner columnist & secondary school teacher, spoke to Matt about the findings on Thursday’s programme.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Apr 9, 2025 • 34min
Culture Club: Eoin McNamee
To celebrate the release of his eighth novel “The Bureau”, author Eoin McNamee joined Matt for this week’s Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all of his choices.
Apr 9, 2025 • 6min
RTÉ Staff Will Soon Be Able To Apply For Voluntary Redundancy
RTÉ staff have been told that the organisation's redundancy scheme will open later this month with payments capped at €300,000.Ian Guider, columnist with The Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Apr 9, 2025 • 11min
"If He Doesn't Win It This Year, He Probably Never Will" - Can Rory McIlroy Finally Win The Masters?
Rory McIlroy is once again looking to complete a career Grand Slam at The Masters, but can he finally pull it off?Lawrence Donegan, founder and editor of McKellar Magazine, joins The Last Word to discuss McIlroy's chances of winning the 2025 Masters.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Apr 9, 2025 • 9min
Personal Finance: What Tariffs Will Mean For Irish Consumers
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor, Irish Independent, discussed where tariffs might hit consumers in terms of fuel prices, pensions and energy prices.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.
Apr 9, 2025 • 29min
What Are The Best Songs Of The Last 25 Years?
On the Easter bank holiday weekend, Today FM will be counting down the best 500 songs of the last 25 years, and you the listeners can get involved by voting for your favourites via https://vote.todayfm.com/big500.Matt, Dee Reddy and John Caddell got involved on Tuesday’s music slot by picking some of their standout tracks.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their choices.
Apr 8, 2025 • 21min
The Last Word On The US: China Vows To 'Fight To The End' In US Tariff War
China has vowed to "fight to the end" as President Donald Trump threatens to impose further tariffs on Chinese goods.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss Trump's escalating global trade war and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Apr 8, 2025 • 13min
Jack Crowley’s Drop Goal Seals Munster’s Win Against La Rochelle
Munster recorded an impressive win against Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle on Saturday in the Investec Champions Cup last 16, setting up a mouthwatering tie against Bordeaux Bègles.Meanwhile, Leinster kept Harlequins scoreless at Croke Park which saw Leo Cullen’s side safely through to the quarter-finals.Former Munster player Alan Quinlan and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about the weekend’s results.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Apr 8, 2025 • 11min
'Devastating' Spinal Surgeries Report Finds Children Not Protected From Risk
An independent review into the use of unapproved metal springs in paediatric spinal surgeries has found that "children were left unprotected from risk of harm".The report by the Health Information and Quality Authority found there was inadequate oversight within Children's Health Ireland and that families could not give informed consent to procedures using these devices due to a lack of information.Former director general of the HSE Tony O'Brien joins The Last Word to discuss the findings of the report.Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Apr 7, 2025 • 10min
Should Passengers To The US Delete Their Social Media Before They Go?
Brian Honan, chief executive and cybersecurity expert, BH consulting and Louise Corrigan, US immigration lawyer, Louise Corrigan Law discuss discuss the recommendation to delete social media apps if travelling to the US, if you have been critical of current US Policy.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
