The flag was first used in 1848 and became the flag of Irish republicanism from then on. It didn't become the official state flag until the Irish Free State was founded in 1922.

Revolutionary Republicanism generally refers to a form of republicanism that the colonists favored during the period nearing and throughout the Revolutionary War. Its main ideals were popular sovereignty, rule by law, and legislation by elected representatives. It also borrowed ideas from Whig and Enlightenment thinkers.

However today, Republicanism can refer to different things in different places. In the US, Republicanism means conservative; in the UK, Republicanism can mean those who advocate removal of the Queen as head of state and replacement with an elected figurehead President OR extreme Irish nationalism. In Australia, Republicanism is associated with moderate nationalism and removal of the Queen as head of state.

Pat Walsh has written:

'Forgotten aspects of Ireland's great war on Turkey, 1914-1924' -- subject(s): World War, 1914-1918, Treaty of Lausanne, Ireland, Foreign relations, Irish Participation

'Irish republicanism and socialism' -- subject(s): History, Politics and government, Republicanism, Socialism

Irish Republicanism existed both sides of the border, and NO not all Irish Republicans were in the IRA or agreed with killing innocent civilians.

for one example of Irish republicans with no IRA affiliation, look ath the Duke Street March on the 5th October 1968.

Republicanism is, essentially, the act of being a republican. An example sentence would be: His republicanism was very apparent to everyone that knew him.