It is without doubt 2019 will be a year that Ballyholland fancier Johnny Murtagh won't forget for a long time. Johnny won the most coveted title in all of Ireland, the Blue Riband Grand National King's Cup and within a week nearly won the INFC Friendship National from Lamballe (426 miles) placing 4th Open. Johnny also won another coveted title within the RPRA - the "Queen's Coronation Cup" having won first place long distance award for over 451 miles with "Annie" the winning hen. Annie is a Dark Chequer hen IHU17N-23160 gifted from Johnny’s good friend James Cleland of Annsborough and she was bread from the best long-distance lines James has. Annie won 1st Club and 1st Open from 459 miles against 2,478 birds, after 11 hours 45 minutes on the wing. Johnny received the Queen's Coronation Cup, a medallion and a cheque for £100.
The award was due to be presented at the RPRA awards night held in Blackpool at the 2020 Show of the Year Gala Evening and awards ceremony and although he was in Blackpool ther was a mix-up in the invitation. Johnny was presented recently with the award by Mr Sammy Briggs RPRA (Irish Region) President, late but very much appreciated. J W Reynolds, RPRA (Irish Region) PO.
“Annie” – 1st Open INFC St Allouestre 2019.
Johnny Murtagh and his wife Kate pictured receiving the Queen’s Coronation Cup
plus medals from RPRA (Irish Region) President Mr S G Briggs.
Johnny and his wife Kate pictured with “Annie” the winning Hen,
and the RPRA Queen’s Coronation Cup plus medals won for Long
Distance 451 miles and over.