“Fantastic people to deal with, always service with a smile, and not forgetting the banter - the community will be lost without ye. Best of luck in your retirement, it’s well deserved.”

That comment, by Linda Bennett, was just one of dozens on our EchoLive.ie Facebook page this week, as we reported that Con’s Fruit and Veg shop on the Bandon Road in Cork city was to close after 40 years this Saturday.

Con and Denise Murphy revealed the news, which saddened so many people who had used the shop over the decades, and they said: “From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank all our customers for making the decision, because it is a decision, to come in and support a family business.”

Also commenting on Facebook was Ann-Marie O’Sullivan, who said: “Best wishes on your retirement, Con and Denise, fabulous family business for years who looked after every local. Best fruit and veg, especially the cabbage, good luck.”

While Tadhg Kelleher remarked: “Best wishes for all future endeavours. We will all miss you greatly. The beautiful Golden Wonders, Kerrs Pinks, fruit, etc, always best quality.

“A great era of service and civility, always an uplifting experience to go to Con’s to Denise and Con. Thank-you.”

Michael Healy said: “Best of luck to Con and Denise. I had the pleasure of supplying your shop over the years, and always it was quality........

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