The sunburst flag is still used today, by both republican groups and the Irish language and Gaelic revival organization Conradh na Gaeilge.
Described as brave warriors who performed a large number of impressive feats, the Fianna referred to themselves as either Gal Gréine or Scal Ghréine, which both mean sunburst.
[5] The earliest confirmed use of the sunburst flag is found in the 18th century as the guidon of the County Sligo Light Horse.
During the American Civil War, the sunburst motif was incorporated by several Irish regiments in their standards.
[7] During January of 1861 a group of French Zouaves were visiting Cork and they were given a banner by the local Nationalists.