'Please remember us fondly': Jackie Lennox's to close its doors

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Speaking to ‘The Echo’ during a break from budget talks, Tánaiste Mícheál Martin said tonight that he would like to thank the Lennox family for the “enormous contribution they’ve made” after the shock announcement that the famous chipper would be closing its doors next Sunday after 73 years in business.

“The Lennox family are the embodiment and personification of Cork decency, Cork tradition and Cork folklore — that chipper became legendary; not just a chipper, but part of the Cork banter, and it’s embedded in the psyche of the city — and I say that as a Nemo man!”

Following the announcement, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, described the chipper as a Cork institution.

The chip shop has been open since 1951 at the top of Bandon Road, and has served traditional fish and chips and other battered foods to generations of Corkonians as well as students from UCC and other educational institutions.

While other local eateries have closed in recent months due to cost pressures, Brian and Frances Lennox, the brother-and-sister owners of the business, have cited the march of time as their reason for the decision. Its thirty strong workforce was told of the decision by the owners on Monday evening.

In a Facebook post, the siblings wrote: “This may seem strange to make this decision when we are at our busiest, but time has creeped up on us and we are unable to cope with the burden of our success.”

Brian and Frances spoke of the humble beginnings of their parents’ business above a cobbler’s shop on the northside.

“Eileen and John opened their present shop on Bandon Rd with the help of soccer legend and John’s team-mate David Noonan and Eileen’s father, Con O’ Callaghan and her brother Sean [both GAA servants], the business became a huge success.

“John who was christened Jackie by the Cork public and Eileen raised nine children, seven of whom were born above the shop, all of which worked at some point in the shop over the years.”

The brother and sister owners thanked their local suppliers who had “always given the best and freshest of their products”.

“To our loyal co-workers, many of whom have been part of our family for many generations, it has been a privilege.

“To our loyal customers thank you so much, you have been a delight to serve and will be part of us forever.

“Please remember us fondly and we hope that we have made in a small way a contribution to the culture of Cork.”

Tributes were paid to the Lennox family by Cork South Central Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, who described the business as “the greatest chipper of all and an absolute institution for several generations in Cork.

“It’s the end of an era.”

Former Cork city councillor Mick Finn expressed his commiserations to Frances and Brian and said it would leave a huge void in the street.

“The shop was also a great source of employment for locals and staff were well looked after,” he said.

“I would hope that perhaps a buyer could be found and it could be kept open as one of Cork’s most loved shops.”

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There is shock in Cork this evening at the news that one of the city's most famous businesses is closing. 

After more than 70 years trading, Jackie Lennox's chipper on the Bandon Road is to close its doors for the final time next Sunday. 

Owners Frances and Brian Lennox said that it was "with a heavy heart" that they announced the news. 

"This may seem strange to make this decision when we are at our busiest, but time has creeped up on us and we are unable to cope with the burden of our success," they said this evening.

"From humble beginnings above a cobbler’s shop on the northside of the city. Eileen and John opened their present shop on Bandon Road.

"With the help of soccer legend and John’s teammate David Noonan and Eileen's father Con O’ Callaghan and her brother Sean (both GAA servants) the business became a huge success." 

The owners thanked their local suppliers and paid tribute to staff at the chip shop, "many of whom have been part of our family for many generations". 

"To our loyal customers thank you so much you have been a delight to serve and will be part of us forever," they said. 

"Please remember us fondly and we hope that we have made in a small way a contribution to the culture of Cork." 

TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire was among those reacting to the news this evening. 

"Heartbroken to hear of the coming closure of Jackie Lennox’s," he wrote on social media.

"The greatest chipper of all, an absolute institution for several Cork generations. 

"I’ve loved it since I was a child. A difficult time for Lennox family, for the staff and their families.

"The end of an era, a place that has a special place in the heart of Cork people."

More to follow.