This week on Playback. Our neighbours get the vaccine - we get the science behind the speedy approval. Waterford hurlers fling their kids into Christmas trees. No hugging, no singing and don’t forget to open a window – our Covid Christmas cracker pulled. All on Playback presented by Sinéad Mooney.

Marie Crowe and Donncha O'Callaghan are joined by Alan Cawley, Seanie Johnston, Barry Cahill, Jane Managan and we have our Punters Council.

Dr. Ian Malcolm (Tráchtaire), Deirdre Uí Fhlannúra (Úinéir The Fish Box sa Daingean), An tOllamh Joe Barry (Iar Ollamh le Sláinte Poiblí i gColáiste na Tríonóide), Áine Ní Chiaráin (Tráchtaire), Edel Ní Churraoin (Craoltóir & ceoltóir), Emmet Ryan (Iriseoir le the Business Post), Spóirt le Cuán Ó Flatharta & Siamsaíocht le Conall Mac Dhonnagáin.

John Maguire and Aingeala Flannery review films, Martin Hayes on his upcoming venture at the NCH and our panel have ideas for arty gifts this Christmas.

Robert Mulhern, journalist in London, George C Heslan, Exec director of NY Irish centre, discuss whether or not the Irish diaspora in New York and London are planning on travelling to Ireland for Christmas.

Helen Cullen talks about lack of the representation of ‘The Irish Mammy’ in fiction and insights gained from her own novel ‘The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually’. Chris Whitaker answers questions from the Readin’ & Feedin’ Book Club in Drogheda, Co Louth about his novel ‘We Begin At The End’. Stefanie Preissner has a bone to pick about cop clichés.

Fatti Burke is a world renowned Illustrator and Book maker and, now, a competition judge! In this episode she talks about what Art means to her and what she'll be looking for in your entries.

clár siamsaíochta, comhrá agus ceoil

On today's show Ray catches up with Dr Niamh Lynch & Paul Leamy about the Children’s Ward Christmas Tree, Ruby Wax talks about her new book, Dustin is on to tell us about his new podcast and Brian Kennedy is in studio talking about his new single.

Plus Brian Stanley's gaffe and George Lee in Penneys