Young Ireland

Young Ireland
An Irish nationalist movement of the 1840s. Led by young Protestants, including Smith O'Brien ( 1803 – 64 ) and John Mitchel ( 1815 – 75 ), who, inspired by Mazzini's Young Italy , set up their own newspaper, the Nation. It called for a revival of Ireland's cultural heritage. At first the members of Young Ireland were associated with Daniel O'Connell in his campaign to repeal the Act of Union , but later they turned to more radical solutions. In 1848 they attempted a rebellion, which was easily suppressed, O'Brien and Mitchel being sentenced to transportation.