The Easter rising changed the self perception of Irish men and women.
In spite of initial bad luck, the rising was planned intelligently, launched competently and fought bravely, in marked contrast to the pathetic skirmishes of the 19th century. Finally its leaders went to their deaths with dignity and courage.
Not surprisingly Irish people became proud of them.
The ugly stereotypes of Irishness generated in England and partly accepted in Ireland lost their credibility and their power, and Ireland acquired the confidence of nationhood.