Sir David Storey

Sir David Storey of Aghagaw, Scotstown, County Monaghan emigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1879 aged 23. He later became MLA for Randwick, a position he held until 1920, when he took his seat in the Legislative Council. Described in 1923 as "One of Sydney's most popular men", he founded the non-sectarian "Ulster Association of New South Wales" which brought together those of Ulster birth and descent for social purposes.

When David Storey emigrated to New South Wales in November 1879 he was listed as one of the passengers on the M.V. Hankow to Victoria. Educated at Wattsbridge Academy he became a Commercial Traveller before emigrating to Australia where he joined the Belfast Firm of James C. Lindsay where he quickly became a Partner. Mr Lindsay had gone to Australia for his health's sake. David established his business on his own account later and it is confirmed that the Firm - "David Storey & Sons" was trading in York Street, Sydney. He married Rachel Agnes Doig and they had five children -Ruby Evelyn, J. Colvin, David Andrew, Theodore Wentworth & Robert Sherbrook.Two of these became Lt. Cols and fought in Europe in World War 1.Ruby Evelyn was awarded the MBE, the Florence Nightingale Medal and was Vice-Chairman & Member of NSW Council Australian Red Cross. Sir David Storey was Knighted in November 1922 in London and was offered a seat in the NSW Cabinet. He chose later to join the Legislative Assembly and died on 27th July 1924. He was buried at South Head Cemetery in Sydney. In his will he left the business plus £90,000, a huge fortune in 1924, £100 was left to Willie Storey, his nephew, back in Ireland. In 1924 £100 would purchase a sizeable farm in County Monaghan.

Initially, Cardinal Moran, a hardline Irish Catholic Australian attempted to frustrate Sir David in his efforts of building trust between Ulstermen, irrespective of religious persuasion. Who's Who in Australia listed Sir David on many occasions. The Northern Standard Newspaper in his home town of Monaghan proudly announced his Knighthood in 1922. He was asked once about the secret of his success in business and politics - his answer was "frankness, directness, candour and truth, and a thorough knowledge of his business. He was always on time, and had always kept before him the motto ..........what man has done, man can do".

Photo: Sir David Storey and Rachel Agnes Doig on their wedding day, 4th July, 1883 at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.