04-07-2025
New lease of life for Lennox's as fish and chip shop owners take over Cork City premises
The owners of a popular fish and chip shop say they are looking forward to taking over a famous Cork City chipper which closed last year, to continue the tradition of serving great food on the Bandon Road.
Cathal O'Donovan and his partner, Tracey Gamble, who run Catch of the Day in Carrigaline and operate from a takeaway wagon in Kinsale, have taken over the lease on the former Lennox's premises on the Bandon Road and hope to fire up the friers within two or three weeks, creating up to 16 new jobs in the process.
'We can definitely feel the weight of history and heritage on our shoulders,' Mr O'Donovan said.
'We absolutely have big boots to fill by taking over the premises. The Lennox family were known all over for their great food - our goal now is to bring something new to Bandon Road.
'The menu will be largely the same as what we do in Carrigaline, fresh fish, chips and burgers, but we also hope to try a few new things as well.
'We're grateful to Brian, Frances and Duncan Lennox to be given the opportunity.'
There was widespread shock and sadness last October when Brian Lennox announced the closure of the much-loved takeaway after more than 70 years in business.
There was widespread shock and sadness last October when Brian Lennox announced the closure of the much-loved takeaway after more than 70 years in business.
Founded by his late father, Jackie, the chipper had become an institution in Cork over the years.
As the clock ticked down to closing day, people queued for hours and around the block for their last orders, with one man travelling from Denmark to make sure he got his last taste of a Lennox takeaway.
Mr Lennox said: 'It took nine months to find a suitable replacement. It was important to us that whoever it was did fresh fish and chip, and burgers, and Cathal and Tracey are Cork-based too.
'We were taking our time to get a good marriage together, and we wish them well.'
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 12.30pm to 10.30pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
