We get to talk to some of the biggest sports stars around on the Last Word. Here you can listen back to some of our favourite sporting interviews. Just click the links below:
- Dec 2013: GPA Mental Health ambassadors and GAA players Conor Cusack, Alan O'Mara, Niall McNamee & Ger Brennan joined Matt in studio today to tell their stories and raise awareness
- Dec 2013: 21-year old football writer Ciaran Kelly joined Matt to discuss his fascinating book on The Special One.
- Dec 2013: Bagman to the Lions and Ireland alike, Patrick 'Rala' O'Reilly joined Matt in studio to reflect on his eventful life behind the scenes in international rugby!
- Nov 2013: Liam Hayes, author of Masters of Men: Ken Venturi, Rory McIlory and One Epic Golf Journey
- Nov 2013: Ronan O'Gara - To mark the release of his book 'Unguarded', ROG joins Matt in studio to discuss regrets, Roy Keane and life after rugby.
- Oct 2013: Cork GAA legend Seán Óg Ó h'Ailpín joined Matt in studio for an extended interview to mark the release of his autobiography 'Seán Óg':
- Oct 2013: Kevin Kilbane joined us in studio to discuss defying Sam Allardyce & turning down the chance to play for England, and his view on Fergie/Keane and the next Irish manager! Listen here
- FEAR AND LOATHING IN LA LIGA: Sid Lowe discusses his new book on the historic rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Listen here.
- WHEELMEN: Co-authors Reed Albergotti and Vanessa O'Connell discuss their new book on Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France and the Greatest Sports Conspiracy Ever. Listen here.
- The Tactics & Thinkers That Transformed Gaelic Football - Daire Whelan joined Matt to discuss his new book 'The Managers'. Listen here.
- The FA Premier League: A History in 10 Matches - Jim White talks Matt's through what he claims are the definitive games in the Premier League's history. Listen here.
- Oct 2013: Ruby Walsh talks to Matt about the dangers faced by professional jockeys and how they are trying to raise money for the jockeys Emergency Fund. Listen here.
- Sept 2013: Davy Fitzgerald joins Matt after Clare's All-Ireland Hurling Final Replay victory to discuss how he motivated such an inexperienced team to become champions. Listen here.
- Sept 2013: 'Becoming A Lion' - Jonathan Sexton joined Matt from Paris to discuss Racing Metro, his frantic start to the domestic season, and whether ROG will steal his club position during the Autumn Internationals! Listen here.
- Sept 2013: To discuss the end of the Trapattoni era in Irish football, Matt was joined by Niall Quinn, Keith Andrews, Neil O'Riordan and John Duggan. Listen here.
- Sept 2013: David Campese and Anton Oliver joined Matt along with Professor John Reynolds of CROSS during the Rugby Legends cycle from Matt. Listen here
- Sept 2013: Natalie Sawyer and Jim White joined Matt live from the Sky Sports News 'nerve centre' ahead of the frantic final hours of the transfer window. Listen here.
- Aug 2013: Mickey Harte profile interview - The Tyrone football supremo joined Matt to talk about GAA, his faith and Sean Quinn. Listen here.
- Aug 2013: Rob and Marian Heffernan were on cloud nine when they joined us live on air from their Moscow hotel room shortly after Rob won gold at the 50km walk in the World Athletics Championship. Listen here.
- John Barnes and Jason McAteer (aka Digger and Trigger!) sat down with Matt for a wide-ranging chat ahead of one of the most unpredictable soccer seasons in recent memory. (August 2013). Listen here.
- August 2013: Joe Brolly spoke in passionate terms to Matt about his views on organ donation and on Sean Cavanagh's controversial tackle vs Monaghan. Listen here. Meanwhile, Peter Canavan, Eugene McGee and Martin Carney respond at length to Joe Brolly's controversial comments here.
- To pay tribute to the late Colm Murray, Matt was joined by Robbie Irwin, Michael Lyster, John Duggan, Jonathan Mullin. Listen here.
- The Last Word live at The Irish Open 2013 (Carton House):
- Jose Maria Olazabal: Listen here
- Graeme McDowell: Listen here
- Rory McIlroy. Listen here.
- Ronan O'Gara (June 2013): The Munster and Ireland legend joined Matt to discuss developments on the Lions tour,reflect on his retirement,and discuss his new role at Racing Metro avec Jonny Sexton! Listen here.
- Jim McGuinness interview (June 2013): The All-Ireland winning manager joined Matt at the Guinness Storehouse to discuss the Ulster Final,Glasgow Celtic,emigration, and getting Seamus Coleman back in his team! Listen here.
- Michael Owen interview (June 2013): Listen here.
- Greg LeMond, Tour de France legend (June 2013): Listen here.
- Davy Fitzgerald, Clare Manager (June 2013): Listen here.
- Tennis legend Jimmy Connors (May 2013): Listen here.
- May 2013: Matt caught up with Kerry stalwart Paul Galvin at the outset of Championship 2013 for a wide-ranging interview. Listen here.
- May 2013: Medal-winning Olympians Katie Taylor and sprinter Darren Campbell joined Matt in studio for an extended interview. Listen here.
- May 2013: To discuss Alex Ferguson's decision to retire as Manchester United manager, Matt was joined by Fergie's friend Craig Brown and football commentator (and ex-Old Trafford stadium announcer) Tom Tyrrell. Listen here.
- May 2013: Lar Corbett joined us in studio after Tipp's narrow defeat in the National Hurling League Final to Kilkenny to discuss rivalries, cracked ribs and lotto rumours! Listen here.
- May 2013: Paul Kimmage joined Matt for an extended interview in studio to discuss the disappearance of his legal funds, and the fallout from the Fuentes doping trial in Spain. Listen here.
- April 2013: Soon-to-be World Champion Rob Heffernan came into studio for interview with Matt - the interview gives a great insight into his mental strength and resolve since his 4th place at London 2012. Listen here.
- April 2013: International Rugby Board medical expert quits rugby over handling of concussion -Dr Barry O'Driscoll (uncle of Brian), former Irish international outlines his concerns for professionals in the modern game. Listen here.
- March 2013: Cork hurling legend Seán Óg Ó'hAilpín and and Paralympic muti-medallistCatherine Walsh joined Matt to discuss their respective sporting careers and the An Post cycle series 2013. Listen here.
- SIX NATIONS 2013 - GUINNESS RUGBY CONVERSATIONS:
- Gameweek 1: Scott Quinnell and Alan Quinlan. Listen Here.
- Gameweek 2: Jeremy Guscott and Paul Wallace. Listen Here.
- Gameweek 3: Scott Hastings and Neil Francis. Listen Here.
- Gameweek 4: Serge Betsen and Shane Horgan. Listen Here.
- Gameweek 5: Jerry Flannery, Hugo MacNeill, David Wallace. Listen Here.
- January 2013: We Got Game - The US influence on Irish basketball through the decades.Kelvin Troy (legend of the Irish game) and Kieran Shannon (author, Hanging from the Rafters) discuss. Listen Here.
- January 2013: Manchester United legend Gary Pallister on United's current centre-backs, dealing with injury, Carrick, prolonging careers, and the looming Champions League showdown with Real Madrid. Listen Here.
- January 2013: Former Irish head coach Eddie O'Sullivan joined Matt to discuss Brian O'Driscoll's time as team captain on the day Jamie Heaslip took over the role for the Six Nations 2013. Listen Here.
- January 2013: For more than 50 years Barney Curley, the legendary and controversial Northern Ireland-born gambler and racehorse trainer, has lived on his wits winning and losing sums of money unimaginable to most of us. Matt was joined by Barney and Donn McCleanto discuss Barney's phenomenal life in horse-racing. Listen here.
- December 2012: Another Way of Winning - Guillem Balague joined Matt to discuss his biography on Pep Guardiola. Listen here.
- December 2012: Tribute to the late, great Páidí Ó'Sé with Eoin 'Bomber' Liston, Weeshie Fogarty, and Mícheál Ó’Muircheartaigh.. Listen here.
- December 2012: 'If You Really Knew Me...': Brent Pope on life outside of rugby... Listen here.
- November 2012: Irish sprinter David Gillick and the man who has helped him rethink what motivates him after missing London 2012, Seán McMahon. Listen Here.
- November 2012: Irish Olympic sprinter Marian Heffernan and Catherine Woods, Head of School of Health & Human Performance discuss comments by Jessica Ennis that girls are put off competing in sport as they don't want to appear 'muscley'. Listen here.
- November 2012: Tipp hurling hero Lar Corbett came into studio upon the release of his book 'All In My Head' to discuss life on and off the pitch. Listen here.
- November 2012: Waterford's Craig Breen joined us earlier this year as he embarked on his next progression through the World Rally ranks - the S2000 class, which he went on to win! Craig came back on the show to discuss his season's success in the midst of personal tragedy, and his hopes for next season. Listen here.
- November 2012: Multi-medal-winning Olympian Ian Thorpe on his swimming successes, his continued comeback to the sport, living with depression and the isolation caused by the sport he loves: Listen here
- November 2012: Joe Browne, Senior Advisor to the NFL Commissioner discusses the rise and rise of Superbowl. Listen here
- November 2012: Ryder Cup hero Christy O'Connor Jnr joined Matt for today's profile interview - stick with it for the Tiger Woods anecdote at the end! Listen here.
- November 2012: Golfing guru Nick Faldo on McIlroy's move to Nike clubs (and how it may affect his swing), and how to improve your own swing! Listen here.
- October 2012: On the day Pat McQuaid & the UCI stripped Lance Armstrong of his 7 Tour de France titles in response to the USADA findings, Paul Kimmage joined us in studio to give Matt his response. Listen here.
- October 2012: Former Irish international Davy Langan joined Matt to discuss his life on & off the pitch. Listen here.
- October 2012: John Joe Nevin and Bernard Dunne joined Matt in studio to discuss making the transition from amateur to professional boxing. Listen here.
- October 2012: Munster & Ireland legend John Hayes joined Matt in studio to mark the release of his autobiography. Listen here.
- October 2012: Matt caught up with the Irish internationals Keith Andrews and Stephen Kelly at the team's base in Portmarnock ahead of the Germany game to discuss lessons learned from Euro 2012, Trap's willingness to change our style of play, and their own challenges at club level. Listen here.
- October 2012: 3-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond joined Matt in studio for a profile interview on living with ADHD, his own cycling success, and recent doping controversies within the sport. Listen here
- October 2012: Ryder Cup hero in his own rite Sam Torrance joined Matt after one of the memorable Ryder Cups ever. Listen Here.
- September 2012: Jimmy Magee joined Matt for a profile discussion on his life behind the mic!Listen here.
- September 2012: Denis Irwin, Brian Cody and Ronan O'Gara take part in roundtable discussion on their careers in sport as UCC awarded them with honorary doctorates. Listen here.
- September 2012: Cross Rugby legends Paul Wallace, David Wallace, Mick Galwey, Ieuan Evans and Scott Hastings joined us throughout their week-long feat of cycling from Mizen Head to Malin Head! Listen to our 3 reports with the guys here.
- September 2012: Geordan Murphy was in studio to discuss his life in rugby upon the release of his autobiography. Listen here.
- August 2012: Lance Armstrong USADA findings published - Paul Kimmage followed byDavid Walsh. Listen here.
- August 2012: Meet Katie Taylor's hero: Deirdre Gogarty - an Irish former boxing world champion who was forced to leave Ireland to participate in her sport. Listen here.
- August 2012: Shay Given tribute - Following the Donegal man's retirement from the Irish team, we heard from the man himself - listen here. Also, Shay joined us before Euro 2012 for a quickfire interview on his memories of supporting - and being part of - the Irish team - listenhere.
- August 2012: Boxer John Joe Nevin joined us to discuss the aftermath of becoming an Olympic silver medallist. Listen here.
- July 2012: Meet Ireland's Paralympians: Ailish Dunne (shot putt, discus), Ann-Marie McDaid (rower), Enda Smyth (cyclist) describe their paths to London 2012! Listen here.
- July 2012 - London 2012 Olympics special: Live from Mayo to pay tribute to Martin Sheridan - one of Ireland's most successful (and most overlooked) Olympians - Matt was also joined by Francie Barrett, John Joe Nevin's mother Winifred, Sonia O'Sullivan, John Treacy, Paul Hession, Sam Watson, Melanie Nocher, Michael Carruth, Eamon Coghlan, and we review the best Olympic Films of all time! Listen here.
- July 2012: Ex-Olympian and RTE swimming analyst Gary O'Toole discusses Michelle Smith, his love of swimming and exposing abuse in the sport ahead of London 2012. Listen here.
- July 2012: The Wallace brothers (David, Paul and Richard) are the only three members of one family to play for the British & Irish Lions - a unique achievement in international sport. They joined Matt for an extended profile interview to discuss their life in rugby and life after rugby. Listen to the full interview here.
- June 2012: Stephen Roche joined Matt in studio to mark the release of his autobiography 'Born to Ride' - listen here - whilst Paul Kimmage joined Matt the following day to respond to the interview, as well as discuss fresh allegations against Lance Armstrong: Listen here.
- June 2012: From Jack to Trap - The Last Word Euro 2012 Party - Joining us to reflect on our involvement in tournaments past & preview Euro 2012 (along with other surprises!) wereKevin Kilbane, Niall Quinn, Tony Cascarino, Mick Byrne, Paul Howard, Des Bishop, Paddy Cullivan (music), Roy Keane (Gift Grub!), Declan Lynch, David McWilliams, Paddy Murray, Mick Wallace, Mandy Johnston. Listen to the full, uninterrupted podcasthere.
- June 2012: The Prizefighter and The Playwright: J.K. Tunney, son of Irish-American former world boxing champ Gene Tunney - joined Matt to discuss his father's unique friendship with George Bernard Shaw. Listen here.
- June 2012: George Hamilton profile interview - the legendary RTÉ soccer commentator joined Matt to discuss life behind the mic. Listen here.
- May 2012: Ireland duo Stephen Hunt & John O'Shea joined us in studio for an in-depth profile interview to discuss how they're settling into Euro 2012 training camp and the anticipation building for the weeks ahead! Listen here.
- May 2012: Ireland No. 1 Shay Given talks Euro 2012, life after Man City & what makes his former team-mate Joey Barton tick! Listen here.
- May 2012: Ireland & Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne joined us to talk Euro 2012 prospects and the rise & rise of his former club Manchester City. Listen here.
- May 2012: Niall Quinn joined us to discuss life after Sunderland, life at Sunderland, and life before Sunderland! Listen here.
- EURO 2012 SURVIVAL GUIDE - Damien Moran, Polish-based Offalyman joined us to discuss his new book 'The Irish Fan's Guide to Euro 2012'. Listen here.
- May 2012: Mick Dowling and novice Orla Flanagan joined us to discuss the rise & rise ofWhite Collar Boxing in Ireland. Mick also gave his views on our boxing medal prospects for London 2012. Listen here.
- May 2012: Grandmaster Rhi-Ki Ha and Grandmaster Robert Howard join Matt in the Today FM Studio to demonstrate the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do! Listen and Watch here
- May 2012: Roy Keane joined Matt to discuss (amongst other things) the fallout from the Manchester derby, Ireland’s prospects in Euro 2012, life as a pundit, and his hopes to return to management in the near future! Listen here.
- April 2012: The rise and rise of Tag Rugby in Ireland - Alan Quinlan & Maria Jennings discuss.Listen here.
- April 2012: Ireland & Sunderland defender John O'Shea joined Matt to reflect on his time at Manchester United, look forward to Euro 2012, and discuss life under Martin O'Neill. Listen here.
- April 2012: Leinster & Ireland flanker Seán Ó'Brien joined Matt to discuss his province's impressive showing in Europe and the RaboDirect Pro12 to date, and to preview the mouth-watering H-Cup semi-final showdown with Clermont. Listen Here.
- April 2012 - Irish cycling success: Current Garda & former rower Caroline Ryan joined us to discuss her conversion to cycling, recent medal success at the World Track Cycling Championships, and plans for a last-gasp qualification attempt for London 2012! Listen Here.
- April 2012: Ronan O'Gara, Ireland and Munster out-half joined us to discuss his love of dogs, and to reflect on Munster's Heineken Cup exit to Ulster. Listen Here.
- March 2012: Former England Rugby international Kyran Bracken and former Irish int'l Paul Wallace discuss the merits of the English Premiership in comparison to the RaboDirect Pro12.Listen Here.
- March 2012: Tribute to Jim Stynes. Australian journalist Martin Flanagan joined Matt to tell us about the life of Melbourne great Jim Stynes who he knew very well - as he describes him, 'AFL's greatest story'. Listen here.
- March 2012: Sugar Ray Leonard, the only boxer ever to win world titles in 5 different weight divisions joined Matt for a revealing interview. Listen here.
- March 2012: Conor O'Shea, Harlequins Director of Rugby & former Irish international joined Matt for our latest Six Nations Profile Interview. Listen here
- March 2012: Rafa Benitez. The Champions League winning manager was in Dublin to accept a 'Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage for his outstanding contribution to sport' from the Phil. Soc. in Trinity College Dublin - Matt caught up with him on campus. Listen here..
- March 2012: Mick Byrne, the former physio (and much more besides) to the Irish soccer team joined Matt for a profile interview to reflect on his highs and lows with the Boys in Green, and give us his optimistic outlook for our prospects at Euro 2012! Listen here.
- Feb 2012: Anton caught up with World Rally Academy Champion (and Waterford native)Craig Breen, who is currently leading the S2000 World Rally Championship. Listen here.
- Feb 2012: All Blacks legend John Kirwan joined us today to discuss his work with LeanOnMe in promoting awareness about mental health in sport, his own battles with depression, and his interest in the upcoming head coach vacancy at Munster! Listen here.
- Feb 2012: In prelude to our interview with All Blacks legend John Kirwan (interview above) on the topic of depression & sport, we arranged two panels to discuss the issue from a Irish sporting perspective, the first consisting of Owen Heary, Bohemians FC captain & Caroline Currid, High Performance Coach, and the second consisting of Donal Óg Cusack, Cork Hurler & Dr Tony Bates, GPA Headstrong. Listen to both here.
- February 2012: Matt met Jonny Sexton to reflect on his career to date, his experience at the Rugby World Cup, and his battle with Ronan O’Gara for the number 10 jersey. Listen here
- February 2012: To mark the release of his autobiography Didi Hamann joined Matt to on his career highs & lows with Germany, Liverpool, Man City & Bayern Munich, as well life under Rafa Benitez and Giovanni Trapattoni. Listen here.
- 9 February 2012: Matt caught up with Ireland, Munster (and former Lions) captain Paul O'Connell at Carton House as part of our series of Six Nations Profile Interviews. Listen here.
- February 2012: Matt caught up with Leinster & Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll at Leinster's training HQ for an extended in-depth interview in which Brian reflects on adaptions made during his career, life on the sidelines, his forthcoming autobiography, and just how long he plans to extend his time in the Irish jersey. Listen here.
- January 2012: Ulster & Ireland's Stephen Ferris joined us to preview Six Nations 2012.Listen here
- December 2011: Ballymena motorcyclist Eugene Laverty joined Anton to discuss his successful first season in World Superbike Championship and his plans for next season. Listen here.
- December 2011: Irish goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly received Giovanni Trapattoni's 'Philips Sports Manager of the Year' award on his behalf and joined us to discuss life under Trap and our goalkeeping options for Euro 2012. Listen here.
- December 2011: Donncha O'Callaghan joined us upon the publication of his autobiography 'Joking Apart' to discuss his career with Munster and Ireland and his hero - his mum. Listen here.
- December 2011: Ken Doherty was our Friday Profile Interview guest to mark the release of his autobiography 'Life in the Frame'. Listen here.
- November 2011: Gary Speed tribute - Former Welsh international John Hartson and Today FM (and Welsh) commentator Ron Jones were both very close to Gary Speed - they joined Tony Cascarino and Matt to pay tribute. Listen here.
- November 2011: The Fastest Men on Earth - Neil Duncanson has written a book about sprinting and just how fast the human race can become. Listen here.
- November 2011: Since 1991 Gerard Hartmann has worked as a physical therapist with Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe, Moses Kiptanui and Sonia O'Sullivan, as well as host of rugby and GAA stars. He rarely does interviews, but joined us to discuss the release of his book 'Born to Perform'. Listen here.
- November 2011: Aussie back-row stalwart David Pocock joined Matt to discuss RWC2011 and his Zimbabwe charity work. Listen here.
- October 2011: Adventure athlete & friend of the show Mark Pollock joined us to discuss the tumultuous challenges he has faced in life - blindness and most recently paralysis. Listen here.
- October 2011: Beijing Bronze medallist Louis Walsh is<
