The Last Word with Matt Cooper

The National Football and Hurling Leagues are currently scheduled to return in February. However, there are suggestions that they could be pushed back to March, while the senior intercounty championships might have to be moved to August. How likely is this scenario? Marc Ó Sé, former All-Ireland winner with Kerry, and Jamesie O'Connor, former All-Ireland winner with Clare, joined us to discuss this. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/01/22183314/LW-GAA.mp3"][/audio]

Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu was subjected to racist abuse and intimidation outside her home by a group of far-right protesters. A peaceful event, organised annually by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, was taking place at the Mansion House last night but was hijacked by a group of 30 people. One person was arrested. Speaking on The Last Word, Hazel Chu described the incident as "uncomfortable". She added that, from yesterday's events and messages she has received, "It's very clear that people don't like me in the role because of the colour of my skin." "When things go unchecked and lies are allowed to spread, this is what happens. That very vocal minority gain traction and space and end up doing what they want, and that has to stop." [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/01/22180942/LW-Hazel-Chu.mp3"][/audio]

Belmullet in Co. Mayo has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the country. One in 18 people in the town have contracted the virus, which is five times higher than the national average. Local GP Fergal Ruane has had to continue working remotely, despite testing positive for COVID-19 himself, due to a lack of  locums available. He joined us on The Last Word to discuss the situation in the community. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/01/22174048/LW-Fergal-Ruane.mp3"][/audio]

Gwyneth Paltrow's £57 'This Smells Like My Vagina' Goop candle reportedly exploded in one UK woman's home. Jody Thompson had won the candle in an online quiz, but after lighting it she was shocked when it exploded and "emitted huge flames, with bits flying everywhere". A spokesperson for Goop told The Sun newspaper that they had alerted the manufacturer, as well as offering to send the woman some products "to help pass the days in quarantine". Alison Healy and Eoghan Tomás McDermott joined us for The Week Trending to discuss this and some of the other stories making headlines this week. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/01/22172248/LW-Gwyneth-Paltrow.mp3"][/audio]

Catch The Last Word on Business weeknights from 6pm on Today FM, with Capital Flow. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/01/22162254/LW-Glastonbury.mp3"][/audio]