::The introduction as you've changed it to is confusing for readers and incorrect in its terminology as the Republic of Ireland never came into being in 1922 so it couldn't have suceded. Yes it states it was known as the Irish Free State upon sucession but it wasn't a republic. The terminology of Republic of Ireland should not be used prior to its actually creation in 1949. And as the article is called "History of the Republic of Ireland" the introduction was quite adequate in declaring when it was actually created and a brief description of what preceeded it and i reverted your change to reflect this. You also did say that it was correct so it isn't wrong.