Replacing an old plater ceiling with new plasterboard?

Hello, im currently trying to take down my bathroom ceiling but am having trouble as the plaster seems to have chicken wire through it. im slowing prizing it away from the joists but its taking ages, has anyone any advice for me? i was hoping that the plaster would be attached to slats of wood that i could rip down, but like i said it seems to have been reinforced with chicken wire . . . .