Heartbreak as legendary Cork chipper closes its doors after 73 years

"Please remember us fondly"

Founded in 1951, Jackie Lennox will cease trading on Sunday, October 6.

The closure of the legendary chipper, which is currently owned by brother and sister Brian and Frances Lennox, will affect about 30 staff.

Many expressed their shock and surprise at the announcement, as the the business was noted by its owners to be 'at our busiest'.

However, the owners said that they were 'unable to cope with the burden of our success'.

A sincere thanks to generations of the Lennox family, who have made an outstanding contribution to Cork life, and its folklore.

Lennox’s takeaway personified Cork decency, with good fun.

An iconic institution, we’ll be sad to see it close, but ever grateful to a great family.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 30, 2024

Heartbreak as legendary Cork chipper closes its doors after 73 years

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Jackie Lennoxs Takeaway after 73 years will close its doors for the final time on the 6th of October,” the Lennox siblings said on social media.

“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.

"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."

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

The post went on to thank the business' local suppliers, 'loyal co-workers' and 'loyal customers'.

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

In a Tweet following the closure announcement, the Tánaiste said: "A sincere thanks to generations of the Lennox family, who have made an outstanding contribution to Cork life, and its folklore.

"Lennox’s takeaway personified Cork decency, with good fun. An iconic institution, we’ll be sad to see it close, but ever grateful to a great family."

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