The west of Ireland and the midlands are covered with an unexpected blanket of snow.
More than 12 centimetres of snow fell in upland parts of Mayo and north Galway overnight, catching many farmers, motorists and school principals completely by surprise.
Balllinrobe in County Mayo is one of many west coast towns that woke to a blanket of snow in the early hours as winter made an unexpected return. Many schools in the region are closed.
Giving thousands of students an unexpected Saint Patrick's week holiday break.
For farmers in the west and midlands, it was a morning of hardship and concern as they checked livestock and bought in additional fodder.
Newborn lambs had to cope with the unexpected arctic blast.
If the snowfall continues over the weekend, there are fears of sheep and lamb losses.
In parts of County Mayo, telephone and power lines have been brought down. An Garda Síochána are warning motorists, particularly those driving heavy goods vehicles, that extreme care is required and to make only essential journeys.
The good news for school children is that there might be more snow and sleet in store.
For farmers, the sight of some shamrock would be far more preferable and appropriate this weekend.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 March 1996. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
