This week on Playback. We get the latest on the Covid variants and where they might be lurking. We learn about the origin of Ireland’s grey squirrels – the wedding gift that just keeps on giving. And dating in a pandemic? Swipe right by all means but just don’t touch me. All on Playback presented by Sinéad Mooney.

Alan Cawley and Feargal Brennan are with us to talk Premier League – can Liverpool get back on track against the Foxes? Plus we’ve Jane Mangan on reforms in horseracing, Jeff Sheppard on Tom Brady’s party week and Donncha previews the Ireland France game! Game On.

Inniu: Eoin Ó Catháin (Tuairisceoir polaitíochta RnaG), Katie Halpin-Hill (Oifigeach Gaeilge leis an ISSU), Breandán Ó Dufaigh (Príomhoide Choláiste Oiriall), Póilín Ní Chiaráin (Iriseoir i mBéal Feirste), Seán Ó hArgáin (Príomhoide Ghaelscoil Osraí & Uachtarán Ghaeloideachas), Spóirt le Cuán Ó Flatharta & Siamsaíocht le Conall Mac Dhonnagáin.

Clár siamsaíochta ceoil agus comhrá

Consultant Psychiatrist Prof. Jim Lucey explains why hope is essential to our wellbeing, how we can restore it and the power of leaning in to the ordinary.

Read by Ashley Xie. Nan and Akmaral, two young Asian students attend a Dublin language school. In the process of grappling with an assignment from their teacher Aisling, to engage in an authentic conversation with a stranger, their perception of authenticity grows. Broadcast to coincide with the Chinese New Year.

Following on from yesterday's show and the revelation that not all GPs are willing to administer the covid vaccine, we hear from GPs who stand ready to give the vaccine once it is delivered. Also, callers express concern about the swiftness of the rollout.

Colm Henry Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE joins us to discuss the rollout plan

Breandán Ó Ciobháin;Logainmeacha na móna. Seán Ó Cinnéide; An Drom Dearg ar an bhFearann. Séamus Chosaí Mac Gearailt; Com Amhais. Maidhc Sé; Baint mhóna fós sa Dromaid. Daire Ó hUallacháin; Tábhacht an phortaigh ó thaobh na h-eiceolaíochta.

In this episode Michael Harrison talks about the music of his grandmother, fiddle player Aggie Whyte. This interview was first broadcast on February 7th 2021.