Unless you've been living with your head under a rock you'll know that the snow storm to end all snow storms is engulfing Ireland.

Retailers are "making hay as the snow falls" as people, overcome by panic, have rushed out and cleared the shelves of all the major grocery stores.

They are also charging a premium price for equipment for playing in the snow such as toboggans and sleds.

A quick scan of the internet shows that sledges are currently being sold for upwards of €80.

While their city counterparts have little alternative but to pay top dollar for the fun in the snow, rural kids, particularly those on farms, have plenty of alternatives:

Bucket lids

Simply find a slope, sit down, get someone to give you a push and away you go!

Tyres

Requires a more manpower. Tie a rope around the tyre. One child (or adult) sits inside while the rest pull it down a hill or across a slippery surface.

Election posters and a long rope

A strange one, but bear with me. When I was younger there was a big puddle in the field beside my house which froze over once a year. One person lay on the poster, held on to the rope and was dragged across the ice by two others. Mayhem, yet still absolute bliss.

Hurleys and a tennis ball

Puddles like the aforementioned can be used for impromptu games of five on five hockey. Expect bruises, tears and incredibly fond memories.

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