In 1842, a group known as Young Ireland founded a newspaper called The Nation to advocate for a politically independent Ireland. The Nation envisioned an Irish identity undivided by race or religion, united by the Irish language and culture, and forged from a romanticized version of Irish history. To achieve these ends, Young Ireland sought a legion more formidable than a thousand men clad in steel: the young intellect of the country.

Although the British banned the Irish language and history from the national school system, associations inspired by the Young Ireland movement began to encourage children to study the Irish language, play Gaelic sports, and perform Irish drama and music.

These associations served as training grounds for nationalists and paved the way for the formation of the Gaelic League in 1893. When revivalism became more political, however, groups like Na Fianna Éireann emerged to support a future military insurrection.

Eighty years after Young Ireland founded The Nation newspaper, the Irish Free State was declared, and Irish independence followed soon after. The Gaelic revival survived largely because it recognized that no one was too young to serve their country, and the new Irish state found many former youth activists and Fianna members serving in leadership roles. These once pint-sized radicals ensured that their dream of a free, Gaelic Ireland would pass to the next generation of Irish children.

The objects in this exhibit demonstrate the role that youth played, or were asked to play, in the often romanticized struggle for Irish independence.

This exhibit is curated by Matthew Knight , Director of Rare Books & Special Collections and Irish studies librarian. This and other exhibits within the Hesburgh Libraries are generously supported by the McBrien Special Collections Endowment.

All exhibits are free and open to the public during business hours.