Those "clowns" still managed to kick the arse of the most powerful Empire on the planet though

Really? How?

To any sentient human being from the introduction of the first Irish Home Rule Bill in 1886 it was bloody obvious to all but a few in Ireland that Great Britain wanted shot of Ireland. Instead of working with what was desired they decided after some totally perverse fashion that this had to be fought for.

What those clowns of 1916 managed to achieve was the certainty that Ireland would be partitioned. They secured the political position that 100 years after their stupid and pointless rebellion that a united Ireland is as far away today as it was 100 years ago - well done boys, "Glory-oh, glory-oh, to those bold Fenian men" indeed.

Take a look back on threads on Ireland on this forum from about ten years ago - take a look at how many were confidently predicting that by the 100th anniversary of 1916 Ireland would be a united country. Why isn't it? Look to the events of Easter 1916 and the lessons learned.