Harrogate pub landlord creates fitting tribute to honour Rachel Daly’s dad Martyn who was ‘one of life’s great ones’

Councillor Michael Schofield, landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog, has created a tribute in his pub to “one in a million” Martyn Daly who died in 2021.
By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Published 7th Sep 2023, 15:24 GMT
Updated 7th Sep 2023, 15:47 GMT
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Martyn was the dad of England footballer and Women’s Super League player of the year Rachel Daly and he was a well-loved regular in the Otley Road pub for many years.

He was also dad to Andrew and step-dad to Greg and Rob.

Councillor Schofield and his wife Donna, with support from Martyn’s partner Cath, have put up a plaque and framed photo of him and Rachel that overlooks the TV where he enjoyed watching football with a pint of Stella.

Councillor Michael Schofield, the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog in Harrogate, has created the tribute to Martyn DalyCouncillor Michael Schofield, the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog in Harrogate, has created the tribute to Martyn Daly
Councillor Michael Schofield, the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog in Harrogate, has created the tribute to Martyn Daly
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The tribute was ready for when a packed pub full of Martyn’s friends and family watched the agonising World Cup final last month as England lost 1-0 to Spain.

Martyn would travel to America to watch his daughter play for Houston Dash and Councillor Schofield said it was bittersweet that he was not able to cheer England on in the final.

He said: “Everybody turned up at the pub because they felt proud for him and wanted to be here for him and the family – he was one of life’s great ones.”

Like his daughter, Martyn was a very handy striker in his own right, playing for local clubs like Harlow Hornets and even scoring over 100 goals in one season.

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Both Martyn and Rachel have worked shifts behind the bar of the pub and they would play super competitive games of pool together when she came back to visit Harrogate.

Councillor Schofield said he was a father figure to many at Harlow Hill, including to his own two children who grew up above the pub.

He said: “What Martyn brought to the community was something else and he always put other people before himself.

"He was always had a smile and a joke and he had time for everybody.

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“If ever you felt down, he’d give you his big bear hug and he was an absolutely great guy.

“He needed celebrating in his own right and if you ask any of the guys my age who played football with him, they would all the same.

"He was a great ambassador for his sport, Harlow Hill, the pub and for his family.”

“He’s sorely missed — everybody could do with someone like him in their life.”

Related topics:HarrogateEnglandWomen's Super League