Barry
O'Brien biographer of Parnell and of Lord Russell of Killowen stated
that "The articles in prose and verse revealed fervent, well informed
and high minded patriotism which captivated Ireland. They recalled memories
which made our people proud of their country and filled them with detestation
of the power which had destroyed its freedom"
Lecky
in his 'Leaders of Public Opinion in Ireland' wrote, "The Nation
enthusiastically supported it (the doctrine of Nationality), and great
efforts were made to revive, or strengthen, everything distinctive in
Irish Nationality. The old names, which had been anglicised or forgotten,
were restored. Irish history, traditions and antiquities were much studied.
Historical associations connected with different localities were collected.
Davis ardently threw himself into the movement for teaching and diffusing
the Irish language."
T.W. Rolleston
in his Treasury of Irish Poetry said "The Nation poets, inspired,
almost recreated, Ireland; and their work still continues to inspire
Irishmen all over the world with its Nationalising spirit. It became
impossible after the songs of the Nation were collected and published,
for England or Europe ot America to either forget or ignore the passion
for Nationality in the hearts of the Irish".
A.M. Sullivan
wrote:
"It was not a newspaper so much as a great popular educator - a
counsellor and guide. Its office a sort of bureau of national affairs,
political, literary, industrial and artistic, its editorial room was
the rendezvous of the 'youthful enthusiasts' as the older school of
politicians called them: orators, poets, writers, artists."
