'The Lennox family are the embodiment of Cork decency, Cork tradition': Jackie Lennox's closing its doors

“To our loyal customers thank you so much, you have been a delight to serve and will be part of us forever." Picture: Eddie O'Hare
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.
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 s 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.
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 s 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.
"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.
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."