A Cork chip shop that is closing its doors after 73 years in business is being remembered as an “iconic institution” and a place of “real significance” to Cork people.

The Jackie Lennox Chip Shop said yesterday it will close its doors "for the final time" on October 6th after 73 years in business.

"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," a statement said.

The family thanked their suppliers, loyal customers and co-workers "many of whom have been part of our family for many generations".

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

Tánaiste and Cork South-Central TD Micheál Martin praised the "outstanding contribution" the Lennox family has made 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.”

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

Irish Examiner columnist Esther McCarthy told Newstalk Breakfast locals are "mourning" the loss.

"It's very hard to explain - I was actually very emotional when I saw it last night, genuinely," she said.

"It's such a part of our life in Cork, it's of real significance to Cork people.

"Back when I was growing up in the ‘80s you'd go to Lennox's for a treat maybe – not even every week, it was a special occasion for your birthday or something."

Jackie and Eileen Lennox who started the Jackie Lennox chipper. Image: Facebook/Jackie Lennox Chip Shop

Ms McCarthy said she has very fond memories of the business.

"You'd always meet someone you know in the queue; it was a real family business," she said.

"We knew everyone in there - they were really generous with the portions - it was a proper chip shop.

"They started the whole concept of a fish supper.

"If you were out in town, [you] wouldn't go home without going to Jackie Lennox's. My first pint with my grandad we went to Lennox's after

"It was just that kind of place where you'd associate all these things growing up with."

She added that the Tánaiste is a fan and he "lives down the road".