The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Donald Gallagher discusses his brother Rory Gallagher's early musical influences, including their father's traditional music background and Rory's first makeshift guitar. The conversation covers Rory's brush with the Rolling Stones and Donald's personal musical favorites. Donald also shares personal connections to musical legends like Gordon Lightfoot and The Doors, sharing anecdotes about live performances and meeting artists. He further explores his appreciation for actor Adrian Dunbar's work, the play 'The Brother', and the historical fiction novel 'The Ballycotton Job'.

In this episode of The Last Word, Mark Little discusses his new book, The Last Good Day on the Internet, exploring the evolution of the internet from a tool of democratization to a landscape dominated by concentrated corporate power. The conversation examines the parallels between the rise of social media and the current trajectory of artificial intelligence, specifically addressing the risks of superintelligence and the potential for algorithmic exploitation of human instincts. Little highlights the importance of open-source alternatives and sovereign economic strategies to prevent unprecedented concentrations of power. The discussion touches upon the necessity of regulatory oversight, the potential for AI in medical breakthroughs, and the distinction between blind optimism and actionable hope in navigating the technological shifts ahead.

Author Louise O'Neill discusses her memoir, 'A Bigger Life,' which explores her journey of healing after a devastating breakup in 2013. She reflects on overcoming the fear of dating, rediscovering her self-worth through travel and new connections, and learning to define a fulfilling life based on her own desires rather than societal expectations. The episode also covers how shifting her dating focus from strict criteria to simply having fun allowed for more unexpected connections. Louise recounts a frightening encounter with an aggressive man during a date and describes her decision to not let such experiences destroy her trust in people, concluding with reflections on the resonant reception of her new book.

This episode examines the escalating tensions and sectarian friction caused by the recent standoff on the Garvahi Road in Northern Ireland. Featuring political commentator Alex Cain and Irish Independent columnist Martina Devlin, the discussion explores the potential for the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the erosion of community relations between unionism and nationalism. The conversation delves into the role of integrated education, the impact of historical commemorations, and the broader implications for the stability of the Good Friday Agreement and the future of the island.

The hosts discuss recent U2 performances in Dublin, including the challenges of navigating crowds and missing events. The conversation covers various music news, from Stevie Wonder's new EP and the complexities of Oasis ticket sales to the critical backlash regarding Taylor Swift's frequent releases. The episode also touches on Morten Harket's journey living with Parkinson's disease and his upcoming solo album featuring his daughter's vocals. Finally, the hosts share their weekly music picks and announce Macklemore's upcoming tour dates in Dublin, Paris, and London.

This episode features a discussion between hosts and analysts Marian McKeown and Cal Thomas regarding significant political and legal developments in the United States. The conversation covers an investigation into suspicious activity near a British airbase used by American forces, the diplomatic implications of Donald Trump's recent interactions with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, and the potential impact of US-China relations on global security and AI competition. The panel also examines the legal challenges facing former President Trump, including testimony from former prosecutor Jack Smith regarding alleged crimes against the nation. Additionally, the episode touches upon the energy and infrastructure landscape in Texas concerning data centers, and concludes with a discussion on the sensitive allegations involving the 'Cornell Seven' and the complexities of navigating sexual assault accusations within the justice system.

The host interviews author Louise Kennedy about her new novel, Stations, which explores teenage life in 1980s Ireland and the experience of emigrating to London. Kennedy discusses how the social atmosphere of the era and the economic hardships of Thatcher's Britain informed her characters. The conversation also covers the challenges of writing across different time periods and how Kennedy's personal history in London influenced the narrative. She recounts her experience working a tedious filing job at an American merchant bank, which she balanced with a rich inner life of reading and music.

Hosts Joe Shea and Elaine Burke discuss a New York Times poll of Hollywood professionals regarding the best television series of the 21st century. The conversation covers the top-ranked shows, including Breaking Bad, The Wire, and Mad Men, while addressing the controversial exclusion of The Sopranos due to its 1999 debut. The duo explores various rankings, noting the impact of long-running hits versus newer series like Severance and The Bear. The episode also transitions into television news, discussing Netflix's decision to renew the limited series The Beast and Me for a second season, alongside the cancellation of How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. The hosts conclude with personal recommendations for upcoming viewing, including the Sky Atlantic drama War, the documentary Crisis in the Classroom, and Disney Plus's Race Against Time.

This episode of The Last Word examines the intense controversy surrounding the Republic of Ireland football team's recent matches against Israel during the UEFA Nations League. Guests Ciarán Cunningham, a veteran sports writer, and Fintan Drury, author of Genocide: Sponsoring the Destruction of Palestine, discuss the global implications of the fixture, including potential protests at the Aviva Stadium and the political stances taken by leaders in Spain and Ireland. The conversation covers internal player dynamics, specifically the refusal of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to participate, and critiques the FAI board's decision-making process amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Matt, Alan Quinlan, and Brendan Fanning discuss the start of the URC season, examining how international windows impact competition prestige and Leinster's strategy of relying on homegrown talent. The conversation also explores the current state of Munster, addressing concerns over player development, coaching instability, and an ongoing governance review. The episode further covers Connacht's potential for growth under Stuart Lancaster and Ulster's urgent need to address depth issues within their front row.

The hosts reflect on U2's 50th anniversary, discussing their musical legacy and recent collaborations, alongside Ed Sheeran's recent concert cancellation and his approach to political communication. The episode also explores the complexities of Irish national identity and the challenges surrounding a potential United Ireland. The conversation shifts to the economic pressures facing Irish youth, specifically rising emigration rates driven by high living costs. Finally, the hosts touch upon various social issues, including alcohol bans in football stadiums and the impact of cultural vouchers for teenagers.

Director Frank Berry discusses his new film, The Lost Children of Tuam, which dramatizes the real-life investigative journey of Catherine Corliss. The film follows Corliss's discovery of 796 death certificates without corresponding burial records at the former St. Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam, County Galway. Unlike historical dramas about similar Irish institutions, Berry highlights that this is a contemporary story focused on modern-day accountability and the pursuit of truth. The production was inspired by a New York Times article by Dan Barry and saw involvement from Liam Neeson, who optioned the project. Starring Monica Dolan as Catherine Corliss, the film explores the personal sacrifices made during the investigation and the ongoing efforts to identify remains through DNA testing. The film is set for release this Friday.

In this episode of the last word on the environment, John Gibbons discusses several critical shifts in global climate patterns and environmental policy. The conversation begins with an analysis of extreme evaporation in Ireland, a phenomenon driven by warming temperatures that hardens soil and increases flood risks. The discussion then moves to the intensification of the El Nino cycle, which is being amplified by unprecedented ocean heat levels, potentially leading to significant global mortality. The episode also examines Germany's energy transition, weighing the consequences of its nuclear phase-out against its massive expansion in solar and wind energy. Finally, Gibbons addresses the breach of seven out of nine planetary boundaries, using a medical analogy to illustrate the precarious state of Earth's life-support systems, including climate change, biosphere integrity, and ocean acidification.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue explores a variety of high-tech home cleaning gadgets designed to tackle difficult household tasks. The discussion covers specialized tools including the Ecovacs WinBot, a suction-based robot for cleaning hard-to-reach windows and patio doors, and the Shark Stain Striker, a handheld spot cleaner for carpet spills. The segment also features the Karcher SC3 Deluxe steam cleaner for chemical-free sanitization, the Jimmy BX7 mattress vacuum for eliminating dust mites and allergens, and the Taunu T1S, a smart bin featuring an automated thermoplastic sealing mechanism for hygienic waste disposal. Each device is evaluated based on its utility, cost, and specific technological advantages for modern home maintenance.

In this episode of Culture Club, Andrew Hendy from The Mary Wallopers discusses his band's new album, 'Paddy Whackery,' and its shift toward a heavier garage rock sound. He explores his diverse musical influences, ranging from 50 Cent and Johnny Cash to The Streets and the connection between American country and Irish folk traditions. The conversation expands into broader cultural interests, including the impact of social themes in the films of Ken Loach, the satirical depth of South Park, and the significance of Irish literary figures like Brendan Behan and Sean O'Casey. The episode concludes with an introduction to the songwriter Jenks Lennon.

Reporting from Pristina, Kosovo, this episode examines the intense political controversy surrounding the upcoming football match between Ireland and Israel. The discussion covers the fallout from Irish manager Heimerhal Grimson's use of the word 'genocide,' the potential for player boycotts, and the pressure on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to take a definitive stance. The report also explores the broader geopolitical context, including the reactions of players like Dara O'Shea, the sentiments of traveling supporters, and the parallel political unrest currently unfolding in Kosovo.

This episode of The Last Word on Today FM discusses upcoming regulatory changes and the rising cost of living in Ireland. The conversation focuses on a new statutory instrument introduced by Health Minister Jennifer Carol McNeill, which aims to close a loophole allowing supermarkets to offer preferential alcohol pricing through loyalty schemes. Beyond alcohol regulations, the discussion covers the broader economic landscape, including significant increases in wholesale electricity and gas prices, rising insurance costs from VHI, and the potential for further inflation driven by global energy markets. The analysts weigh these mounting expenses against potential tax benefits from the upcoming budget, suggesting that any fiscal relief may be offset by the cumulative impact of rising utility and service costs.

In this episode of The Last Word of Music, hosts D-Ready and John Cadell celebrate the 50th anniversary of U2. The discussion explores the band's legendary status, their ability to reinvent themselves through different eras, and their enduring global impact. The hosts delve into specific tracks like 'The Fly', 'One', and 'Bullet the Blue Sky', discussing the technical mastery and emotional weight behind these songs. The conversation also touches upon listener memories, the band's internal tensions during certain recording periods, and the polarizing nature of Bono's persona. The episode concludes with a look toward the band's future, including anticipation for their new single 'Silencio'.