‘I’m heartbroken, boy’: Cork people share devastation at closure of Jackie Lennox's chipper

One would think that the announcement of Budget 2025 would be the main talking point this week - however one news story in particular in The Echo and on EchoLive.ie rocked the entire of Cork, it would seem.

Corkonians at home and abroad flooded the comments section of our Facebook page to show their love for one Rebel city institution, Jackie Lennox’s chip shop.

This came following the sad news that the well-known Bandon Road eatery is to close its doors after 73 years in business.

From humble beginnings above a cobbler’s shop on the northside of the city, Eileen and John Lennox opened their present shop and became a staple of the city, feeding hungry college students, local families, and visitors from near and far for decades.

As expected, our commenters had plenty of memories to share, as they looked back on years of battered sausages, fish suppers, and salt and vinegar doused chips.

John O’Halloran said: “Sad to hear this, it is indeed the end of an era.”

Gregory Geary agreed: “So sad to hear. The end of an era indeed.”

Grace Donahue shared a heartfelt message to the Lennox family: “So sad to read. Thank-you for all the great fish and chips. I was always excited to get to Cork from Wilmington in Delaware over the last 34 years to have my dinner from Lennox.

“Always the first night here I had it for dinner with my parents and family. Happy retirement.”

Deborah Long commented: “For God’s sake, we will have nothing left. What a shame. Sad news but I wish them all the best in their retirement. Thank you for all the years of great service and fond memories. It won’t be the same.”

Martha Olivia O’Keeffe was hoping there was a slight chance that her favourite chipper would live on: “Why not sell it and keep the tradition alive?”

David Spillane was looking on the bright side: “Sad to see it go, but on the upside, you could house plenty of people in there that are in desperate need of housing.”

Grainne McQuillan said sadly: “End of an era. Loved this place growing up. Great fish and chips.”

JM Fitzpatrick attempted to tempt Southsiders to the North of the city for their chipper: “Not many chippers on the Southside now. Why not cross the bridge?”

David Keating said: “Terrible news. The best of the best.”

Carmel O’Shea agreed: “You’ll never be replaced. Thank you for the great food and fond memories. Always nostalgic.”

Deborah O’Flynn said: “They don’t get better then Lennox’s.”

In response to the news, Giulio Sangirardi Bortolotti cried: “Noooo, my favourite chipper ever.”

Pat Casey shared: “I can’t believe it. I grew up near that chipper and have been in it so many times as both a child and an adult.

Great chicken suppers and fantastic potato pies! It never crossed my mind that it would close.

“ I don’t live in Cork any more but used to enjoy getting into it when I’d visit friends and family for a weekend. Lots of history, lots of memories of the Bandon Road and of Jackie Lennox. Sad to see it go.”

Patrick Harrington called for a National Day of Mourning for the Southside chipper: “House private, family flowers only.”

Ed Godsell asked in frustration: “Why does everything traditional seem to be closing?”

Ashling O’Riordan commented with a multitude of crying emojis to express her sadness at the news.

While Cath McCarthy suggested: “Keep the chipper open but hire new staff. Simple. Everyone will continue to enjoy their fish and chips.”

Joan Hayes replied: “That would seem the logical thing to do if it’s still successful. Or sell it but keep the name.”

Kieran Galvin said in response to that suggestion: “One of the reasons that they are closing is the difficulty in getting staff.”

Audrey Murphy commented: “The best chipper of all time, I am so sad.”

Donal Lyons shared memories with friends Dáithí Ó Caoimh and Nicola Keeler; “Remember our days after work in the Dean Rock having a feast there?”

Nicola Keeler replied: “I was thinking about it this evening. Such a shame. Very fond memories though. Looking forward to our munch after work.”

Dáithí Ó Caoimh said to Nicola and Donal: “I remember those nights and the banter we had. This is sad to see but I guess nothing lasts forever.”

Mary Roche stated: “Happy days spent there. Sorry it’s the end of another era.”

Karen Montgomery asked in shock, accompanied by countless question marks: “Why?”

Sharon Bickerstaffe said; “A shame closing down after 73 years in business.”

Margo McCarthy was speechless at the news: “No words.”

Sarah Ann Grace O’Sullivan commented: “Very sad.”

Sean Muiri said simply: “Gutted.”

Charlie Maddens said to him: “Ah, you will have to fly home before Sunday for ‘the last one’.”

Gráinne Swaine ruled it as “a sad day in Cork.”

While Glenda Foley shared: “Such fond memories there.”

Monique Condon recalled: “Happy days.”

Anne O’Mahony said sadly: “No! Going there is our Christmas tradition.”

John Crowley added: “The end of an institution.”

Brian Dinan checked in on his friend following the news: “Paul Mullins, a sad day. Are you OK?”

Paul Mullins replied: “Heartbroken, boy.”

Maria Lane added her memories of Lennox’s: “When I was returning to Ireland for the holidays, Jackie’s was the first place I went to. The potato pie was the best.

Mary Lennox holds a special place in my heart. We went to St Al’s and were in the same class. I wish everyone a happy retirement and good health for the future.

Kevin Jordan remembered with his heart and his belly: “There was savage grub there.”

Alan Hurley asked in desperation: “Surely there’s someone they trust to take it on? What a loss if it goes. Best wishes to the Lennox family.”

Bryan Conlon commented: “I never visited. There are plenty of great chippers in Cork. He said he couldn’t get enough staff, that’s easily fixed, cut down on opening days.”

Jenny Cunningham joined the chorus of those who were disappointed with the news. She said: “I can barely stand this news. There’s nowhere like it.”

JM Fitzpatrick was back trying to tempt everyone across the bridge for a curry chip: “Funny, Lennoxs didn’t mean much on the Northside, more of a Southside thing. 

Still the end of an era though.

Terence Higgins asked: “How will we cope?”

Brigid Kennedy was another who once called Cork their home but still considers Lennox’s their local for a fish supper: “We no longer live in Cork but every time we visit with other people, we take them to experience the best fish and chips.

“The loss of this tradition breaks my heart. Surely someone wants to buy the business?”

In an emotional farewell, 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.”