Reader reactions: Lennox's patrons 'absolutely devastated' beloved chipper is closing

Given its close proximity to the campus, Jackie Lennox’s was a central part of many UCC students’ college experience.

“In the late 90s, l was a nursing student living in the Lough," says Marie Hennessy. “We loved going to Lennox's for a burger or a battered sausage and the way they always threw in a few chips as well.” 

Sean Byrne says Lennox’s kept him well-fed when he was a student.

“Lennox used to feed my friends and I during our time at UCC. We used to leave the pub at 11.30pm so we could get Jackie Delux and chips before bed,” Sean says.

“Even if all you had was €1.60, you knew you could get a battered sausage and chips from Lennox's to tide you over until you went home for the weekend.

My college life and great experience in UCC would not have been the same without Lennox's. 

“I was fortunate to meet Brian the night after my graduation in Annie Mac's pub. He was an absolute gent and I want to wish him and his family the best of luck in his future.” 

As well as college years, many Corkonians associate Lennox’s with their childhood. “We used to go there as kids. I'm absolutely devastated to hear the sad news,” says Rhona O’Sullivan from Cobh.

"My father always brought us to Lennox’s if we were up for a concert or a match and it was always the highlight of any trip," says Michael Walsh. "Going back to when Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson played in the Neptune stadium or when U2 played in the Páirc in 1993, we would always round it off with the craic in the queue for fish and chips."

Among the menu favourites was the Jackie Delux.

“I can only recall the pure panic of not knowing what to order as you were summonsed the second you walked through the door,” says James G. “That panic led me to a Jackie Delux, chips, cheese and curry, and a bottle of Tanora that became my staple order for many years.

“Lennox’s is a Cork institution and Brian a gift to this City. Thank you.” 

Last year Irish Examiner readers named Lennox's as the number one chipper in Cork, describing it as having “the best food in Cork”.

“They certainly have the best food in Cork. Everything is cooked to perfection always and lots of it. The staff are very friendly and most helpful,” Breda Murphy said at the time, with others describing how far they travel for a taste.

“We come from Cobh a lot to go there, the food is outstanding, the staff are friendly. No chipper comes close to it,” said Alan Moriarty.

For Billy Enright, Lennox's has been a constant in his life. “I’m 65 now and have been a loyal customer of Jackie's since I was in nappies. I'm especially partial to the traditional chips (salt and vinegar, yes please) and a potato pie.”

Famous patrons of the chip shop also include Hollywood stars Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello, who shared a bag of chips in Fitzgerald's Park during a visit to Cork in 2021.