Coopers all Tucka-d out

RESIDENTS will be saying goodbye to an iconic piece of Killarney today as Rod and Sheryl Cooper fire up the grills at Killarney Tucka Shop one last time.

Rod and Sheryl Cooper will fire up the hotplates at the Killarney Tucka Shop one last time. Picture: Kirstin Payne

RESIDENTS will be saying goodbye to an iconic piece of Killarney today as Rod and Sheryl Cooper fire up the grills at Killarney Tucka Shop one last time.

"It's just time," said Mrs Cooper, while she bustled past, making sure every customer in the full shop was being served.

The busy, no-nonsense store is clearly going to be missed. Centred in Killarney's main street the Tucka Shop has enticed crowds with its aromas of every fried delicacy imaginable.

The couple, who have known each other all their lives, have worked side by side at the Tucka Shop for 11 years.

Greeting all with a friendly smile, it's no wonder the business was so popular with the locals.

"They have been good to the town and my stomach," said one enthusiastic Killarnyite.

The Coopers plan to spend their retirement travelling Australia, although Killarney will always be home.

Mr Cooper, described by another cheeky customer as a "dirty flirt", was quick to mention how much the town has meant to them over the years.

"The people are what I will miss, that goes without saying," he said.

While reminiscing, the Coopers spoke about the changes that has taken place in the township since their time there.

"Killarney is always changing, it's a more transient population now and we have seen a lot more retired couples move in," Mrs Cooper said.

The Tucka Shop, which survived the flooding of 2010, will be vacant as of tomorrow.

"We would just like to thank the whole town for their support - thank you and we hope to see you again soon," Mrs Cooper said.

Originally published as Coopers all Tucka-d out