'We hope to bring something new': Chipper to open at former Lennox's premises

Last October, Lennox’s chipper on the Bandon Road closed its doors for the last time after more than 70 years operating on the street.

But, in the coming days, the fryers will be switched back on, and those same doors will reopen, when Catch of the Day begins operating from the iconic premises.

Catch of the Day, run by Cathal O’Donovan, is already well-established in Cork, having first opened in Kinsale a decade ago and opening a second premises in Carrigaline six years ago.

Cathal has always had an interest in fish.

“As a young fellow, I’d go to Kinsale and fish with my mother’s people, the Hurleys,” says Cathal, who grew up in Blackrock.

“Four generations of Hurleys were in the fish trade.”

Cathal took to the business like a duck to water.

“I went out on the boat every chance I got,” says Cathal, who is dad to Holly 14, and Arron, 12.

He got hooked.

“I spent eight years fishing in Castletownbere; it was a really nice lifestyle,” says Cathal.

“We supplied co-ops with herring. Later on, I started buying fish, filleting fish, selling it to restaurants and takeaways.”

A decade ago, Cathal saw an opening when a Dutch man, who had come to Ireland, was returning to his homeland and selling up his mobile unit.

“I bought the mobile wagon from him and kept the name, Catch of the Day,” says Cathal.

“It took off well from the start.”

The wagon is still going strong.

“The recent good weather meant we were very busy,” says Cathal.

“We’ve been operating at the new bridge in Kinsale for 10 years now. It has always been very popular. Fish and chips never go out of date, but you must get it right.”

Cathal works alongside his partner Tracey Gamble.

Knowing that fish and chips are a popular, unfussy, unchanging choice of meals, the couple opened Catch of the Day in Carrigaline six years ago.

“Since people found out we are opening another shop in the Bandon Road, business in Catch of the Day in Carrigaline has been really brisk.”

He says opening a third branch of Catch of the Day is a wonderful opportunity and a challenging one.

“It is a big undertaking,” Cathal agrees.

Like many businesses, the take-away sector has taken a battering in recent times with rising costs.

“That is true,” says Cathal.

“People will have noticed their food bill in the supermarkets has risen significantly.

“The overheads and the VAT on hot food and cold drinks have gone up and running a small family business poses many challenges.

“You can be very busy and still earn no money,” says Cathal.

“Staff must be paid. The minimum wage is €13.50 an hour.”

So what does it take to make a success of a small family business?

“You need to be a shrewd businessman,” says Cathal.

Catch of the Day on Bandon Road will shortly open seven days a week.

“When I met the Lennoxs, Frances, Brian, and Duncan, it all took off,” says Cathal. “There was huge interest in the premises. The family were keen to do business with a Cork man, and we all got on very well. There were a lot of meetings and a lot of phone calls between us. We got it over the line. It is really nice to get the opportunity to take over the lease.”

The Lennoxs, in business 73 years, wanted someone experienced who knew their stuff.

“I have big boots to fill taking over the premises,” admits Cathal.

“The Lennoxs were known all over for their great food since Jackie and Eileen’s time. Our goal is to be as good as the Lennoxs and to bring something new to the Bandon Road.”

Tracey, Cathal says, is the backbone of the business.

“She’s on the road supplying the two fish and chip outlets. She’s in the kitchen mincing beef for burgers and butterflying chicken fillets.”

Cathal fillets the fish.

What is the secret of a good chip?

“We use locally grown potatoes,” says Cathal.

“Blanching the peeled and chipped potatoes first at 130 degrees and then frying them a second time at a higher temperature, 180 degrees, makes for tasty crispy chips. Overcooking will destroy them and dry them out.”

Is Cathal a good cook?

“I’m not bad!” says Cathal laughing.

“I never go hungry!”

What his is favourite fish to eat?

“I love lemon sole,” says Cathal.

Will that be on the menu at the new premises?

“Yes,” says Cathal.

“The menu will be largely the same as what we do in Carrigaline, fresh fish, chips, burgers, fish, and chicken. We’ll offer calamari and monkfish strips, as well as a few new things as well.”

In my day, cod and chips was the order of the day at the local chipper.

“I know,” says Cathal.

“Me too.

“Cod is getting scarce now off the south coast, possibly because of climate change. It is a thing of the past.”

Cathal’s past and present experience in the fish and chip trade will serve him well in his new venture on Bandon Road.

“I hope so,” says Cathal.

Does he still go out fishing on the boat?

“When I get time, I do. I love it,” says Cathal.

He always got a buzz out of fishing.

“I always get excited when the fish are landed and are all iced up in boxes ready for road. I have a passion for fresh fish.”

At 52, opening a third business, firing up the fryers, employing 16 people, Cathal could be soon cruising on his own yacht? After all, the shrewd businessman is hardly small fry.

Cathal laughs.

“I’m still small fry!”

He’s received much goodwill from far and wide.

“Yes, it’s all good,” says Cathal.

“I want to thank the Lennoxs, Frances, Brian and Duncan, for this great opportunity.”

• The new Catch of the Day on Bandon Road will be open seven days a week, from 3pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday and from 12.30 to 10.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.