Talent Matters with Donal O’Donoghue

1. Matt Cooper’s Education and Path to Journalism:

o Matt Cooper, an outstanding Irish journalist, embarked on his career journey

by pursuing education at University College Cork. His passion for radio and

sports also played a significant role during this period.

o Notably, at the young age of 30, Matt achieved a remarkable feat: he became

the youngest person in Ireland to be appointed as an editor of a national

newspaper. He held the position of Editor at the Sunday Tribune and later

served as the business editor of the Irish Independent.

2. Transition to TV & Radio Broadcasting:

o Matt’s journey extended beyond print journalism. He transitioned into TV and

radio broadcasting. As the host of The Last Word on Today FM, he

engages in insightful news reviews every weekday from 16:30 to 19:00.

o His versatility extends to writing as well. Matt contributes weekly columns to

both the Irish Examiner and the Irish edition of The Sunday Times.

3. Authorship and Books by Matt Cooper:

o Matt Cooper has authored several books, delving into topics that resonate with

Ireland’s socio-economic landscape. Here are six of his notable works:

 “Who Really Runs Ireland?”: In this book, Matt identifies the most

influential people during the Celtic Tiger era, revealing their

interactions and power dynamics amid economic shifts.

 “How Ireland Really Went Bust”: An exploration of Ireland’s

financial crisis and the factors that led to its downfall.

 “Who Really Owns Ireland?”: An examination of property

ownership, revealing the key players and foreign investors shaping

Ireland’s land landscape.

 “The Maximalist: The Rise and Fall of Tony O’Reilly”: A definitive

biography of Ireland’s first truly global business star, Tony O’Reilly.

 “Jamie Heaslip – All In” a biography of one of the most decorated

players in the history of Irish rugby.

 “Michael O’Leary – Turbulent Times for the man who made

Ryanair”

4. Documentary with Dennis Rodman in North Korea:

o Matt Cooper’s adventurous spirit led him to collaborate with basketball legend

Dennis Rodman on a documentary set in North Korea. The project explored

the enigmatic country and its unique cultural context.

5. Ventures into Podcasting:

o Matt continues to innovate by venturing into podcasting. His notable podcasts

include:

 “Path to Power” with Ivan Yates: A deep dive into the lives and

careers of influential figures.

 “Magnified with Matt Cooper”: A platform where Matt explores

intriguing topics with his signature insight.

6. Resource Link:

o For more updates and glimpses into Matt Cooper’s world, visit his Instagram

profile: @mattcooperlastword. Or www.x.com/cooper_m

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 8 of the Talent Matters Podcast!