Bridge bomb

A Bridge-Bomb is both a saying, derived from Newbridge College, and a hand-gesture done by connecting the thumb and forefinger in to a circle (the O), and holding the other fingers straight or relaxed in the air.
It is a gesture of respect, practiced by both past and present pupils of Newbridge College.
Origin
Newbridge College student popularized the expression "Bridge-Bomb" while Newbridge College's Junior Cup 'Dream Team' of 2012 were on road to the Leinster Schools Junior Cup final. The 'B-shape' created by the gesture represents the 'The Bridge', a reference to the Newbridge College name. The term 'Drop the Bomb' has come as a result of this act, a reference to the act of performing this gesture. Enforced by the select few leaders of the 'BBE' (Bridge Boys Elite), and implemented by the thousands of enthusiastic supporters that traveled behind the team from day one, this new hand-gesture soon became the schools official icon, and metaphor of the crowds support.
The Bridge Boys Elite
Foundation
The Bridge Boys Elite, BBE, are an anonymous group of approximately 100 Newbridge College students, both past and present. The BBE act as a firm of well structured and organised supporters, that travel behind the Newbridge College rugby teams in both JCT and SCT level. The firm was constructed by Ross O'Reilly, a senior of the college in 2012. In January 2012, the group was initially created, under the name Big Bridge Boys, BBB. As numbers grew, the increased support resulted in numerous internal changes, changing the name to Bridge Republican Brotherhood, BRB, before finally settling on Bridge Boys Elite.
There are no female members of the BBE.
Praise
Despite their short existence, the BBE have been praised heavily for their organisation of "The loudest crowd ever seen", according to stewards of the Leinster Branch. Many past pupils of the school, including current rugby stars, have praised the BBE for the atmosphere they created at both Junior Cup semi-final and final of 2012.
Role of Major
Founder and conductor of the initial BBE, Ross O'Reilly, acted as the first official major. The role of "Major" is firstly to organise all other members of the firm, and secondly to lead the crowds chants at match time. The prestigious role of Major is handed down from one year to the next, each major being chosen by their predecessor.
Publicity
Bridge Gorilla
The Bridge Gorilla has served as the Newbridge College rugby mascot since the late 1990's, and has seen the school to great success. The gorilla has been the catalyst to the crowds enthusiasm, entertaining from pitch-side at all cup games. In 2012, the Newbridge College Gorilla acted the main role of the online video "", gaining over 2000 views in under 12 hours prior to the Junior Cup Final.
The current Bridge Gorilla as of 2012 is Charlie Conlan.
Well Known Bridge Bombs
The Bridge Bomb has not been limited to current Newbridge College students. Past pupils of the college including current professional rugby players have "dropped a bomb". The list of well known "Bridge Bombs" include:
* Jamie Heaslip (Leinster & Ireland Number 8)
* Fionn Carr (Leinster)
* Aaron Dundon (Leinster)
* Johne Murphy (Munster)
Role of Majors
Ross O'Reilly (2012)
.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu