It was an unusual weekend in Dublin, though not the most unusual, as a bridge in Drumcondra unexpectedly went viral, transforming into a shrine to cherry tomatoes.
What began as a few of the vegetables stuck in freezing conditions quickly evolved into a full-scale homage to all things tomato—complete with ketchup, sliced tomatoes, and even spaghetti.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the internet—and we’ve learned plenty—it’s that viral moments are almost always followed by imitations.
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Consider past trends like 'planking,' where individuals lay flat in unconventional locations, or the 'mannequin challenge,' where participants freeze mid-action in typically busy settings. Viral phenomena rarely exist in isolation, and this is likely no exception.
@russell.alford I was in the area. I had ro see what the hype was about I get it now… #cherrytomatobridge #cherrytomato #dublin ♬ come as you are - ꧁⁂☮︎⁂꧂
A spokesperson for the Casinos.com trading team commented: "Whenever something goes viral, it's almost inevitable that copycats will emerge, hoping to capitalize on the buzz and create their own viral moment. The Cherry Tomato Bridge story will have sparked interest not just from the public but also from brands, and we’re likely to see similar stories surfacing on social media in the coming weeks—though few will capture the same level of audience engagement.
"It's hard to predict exactly how someone—whether a member of the public or a brand—might try to tap into this trend. Given the involvement of spaghetti in the Cherry Tomato Bridge, one possibility could be surrounding the Spire in Dublin City Centre with pasta. Our trading team estimates a 25% probability of this happening, based on the Spire's prominent location and the opportunity to build on the original trend.
"Foods like avocados and donuts, which have gained popularity in Ireland in recent years, could inspire other creative stunts. Traders suggest there's a 20% chance of an 'Avocado Alley', likely in Stoneybatter, or a 16.7% likelihood of a 'Donut Dock' in Dublin’s Docklands—an idea with strong brand appeal for one of the country’s leading donut suppliers.
"Another potential trend could be a 'Garlic Gateway' at St. James’s Gate in Dublin. However, this is deemed highly unlikely due to the Guinness Storehouse's control of the area and the absence of a major garlic brand willing to take the risk. Similarly, a 'Blarney Stone Biscuits' concept is improbable, as the location itself would limit its viral potential."
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