The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, AKA the GastroGays and Restaurant Critics with the Sunday Times, had their choices of just some of their favourite cookbooks published in 2024. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page. Cook: Traditional Irish Cooking with Modern Twists by Graham Herterich Saladology by Theo Kirwan (Sprout & Co) Simply Jamie by Jamie Oliver Whole Catch by Aishling Moore Season by Mark Moriarty Cooking with Anna Haugh: Modern Home Cooking With Irish Heart by Anna Haugh A Compendium of Irish Pints by Ali Dunworth The Home Sommelier by Brigid O'Hora

Judith Boyle, beverage lecturer at TU Dublin, had her seasonal choices of best beers and ales to pair with your Christmas diner or for parties during the holiday season. To listen to the full conversations, press the 'play' button below.

A 26-year-old has been charged with murdering Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. According to officials, Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after he was spotted eating at a McDonald’s. Nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas & Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post, joined Matt for this week’s US slot to discuss this. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

The (UK) Independent's Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, joins Matt to discuss all the action from the Premier League over the weekend. Chelsea announce themselves in the title race, Man City drop points again and Man United lose at home to soaring Forest. Hit 'Play' to get the latest.

Brigid O'Hora, author of The Home Sommelier and wine expert with Classic Drinks, introduced Matt to some new wines, white, red and sparkling, to try with the turkey and trimmings. Brigid's recommendations are; Cremant de Bordeaux Ballerin, NV. €40 Avanzi Lugana Sirmione, Italy €15 Bodegas Valdesil Godello, Valdeorras, Spain €24 Fleurie, Famille Chermette, Poncie, Beaujolais €18 Chateau Puynard, Cotes de Blaye ‘The Steps’ Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon €20 To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Sarah Slattery from travelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to discuss the best Christmas markets and experiences in Ireland this festive season. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ was written in just 15 minutes in August. It went on to become one of the most iconic Christmas tunes of all time. Join Louise Cantillon for a Last Word on Music Christmas Special, with the story behind Mariah Carey’s iconic 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'.

The FAI apologises over use of 'Londonderry' in a match programme, Marian Price sues Disney over 'Say Nothing' scene and growing number of allegations against Masterchef's Greg Wallace. Roe McDermott, advice columnist with The Irish Times, and Kieran Cunningham, chief sports writer with the Irish Daily Star, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Children in mixed schools have more friends than those at single-sex schools and boys in all-boys schools have the lowest level of closeness to their friends according to new research. Irish Times Parenting Columnist Jen Hogan joins The Last Word to discuss why she thinks co-education is best for boys and girls. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

With the Green Party out and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on course to be back in government, John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss what the general election result could mean for Ireland's fight against climate change. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to talk through his top picks for kitchen and beauty tech that could make wonderful gifts this Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent, Today FM, had the details of Mr Justice Alexander Owen's judgement on legal costs after Nikita Hand won her civil case against Conor McGregor.

Chef Mark Moriarty joined Matt on the Culture Club to discuss his favourite music, books, film and TV. He also spoke about his new book Season: Master the Elements of Amazing Taste. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

It's that season where work Christmas parties are in full swing and they can often make or break office relations. Julie Galbraith, partner and head of employment law at Eversheds Sutherland, to discuss what employers and employees should keep in mind to prevent a HR hangover after the festivities. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The 2024 general election saw voter turnout fall to record low levels, but many are sceptical about the reliability of the turnout figures due to flaws with the electoral register. Art O'Leary, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, joins The Last Word to explain why the register might be overstated and to answer more of your questions about last Friday's vote. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' on this page.

With government formation talks commencing this week Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent, had some recommendations that the new government could use in order to ease the cost of living. He also discussed how an IT issue led to some PTSB customers facing a delay in receiving their wages on Friday. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his chat with Matt.

Clodagh Finn and John Morgan join The Last Word to discuss the untold stories of the Irish WWII heroes who fought in the Resistance as told in their compelling book 'The Irish in the Resistance'. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

US President Joe Biden has pardoned Hunter Biden despite saying previously that he would not use his executive authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss this and more news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Gregg Wallace has stepped away from presenting MasterChef after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made by 13 people over a 17-year period against him. The BBC had previously announced a Celebrity MasterChef Cook-Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza. However, they have since been pulled from their Christmas schedule. Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast and The Last Word’s TV & Streaming contributor, spoke to Matt to explain the latest on the story. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their conversation.

Russell Alford, Food Critic for The Sunday Times and one half of the GastroGays, joined Matt for Tuesday’s travel slot. Bologna, a city famous for its authentic Italian food, was Russell’s choice this week. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his recommendations.