The Republic of Ireland claimed a memorable win on Saturday afternoon as they defeated Wales 2-1 in their UEFA Regions Cup Amateur International Friendly at Turner’s Cross.

Two sensational finishes from the Rockmount duo Eoin Murphy and Luke Casey - either side of a Jack McMullen own goal - in each half proved to be decisive as Gerry Davis’ side secured the victory.

It was the visitors who made the brighter start and Rockmount goalkeeper Brendan O’Connell did well to tip Jamie Cumming’s low drive wide of his far bottom right corner. His clubmate Luke Casey twice caused Wales problems with his deliveries from set pieces just before the quarter of an hour mark and shortly after Jack McMullen headed wide from a great position at the back post, centre-back Jordan Carrington was relieved to see his clearance whistle just over his own crossbar.

The Boys in Green were now in control of proceedings although they couldn’t quite create a clear-cut goal-scoring opportunity with Jimmy Carr and Eoin Murphy trying their luck from distance but neither truly troubled the Welsh keeper Cameron Darling.

But with his next effort, Murphy would give Ireland the lead as his shot from 25 yards crept into the far bottom left corner of the Shed End net with 37 minutes on the clock.

Wales responded well to that setback and moments after striker Callum Parry turned a Chris Cathrall long throw against the back post, they levelled the scores in the final seconds of injury time. Ireland again failed to deal with a Cathrall long throw and on this occasion, they paid the price as McMullen could only nod the ball into the back of his own net.

The second half was a much tamer affair as both managers used the full extent of their squad but it did spark into life in the 50th minute thanks to a sensational strike from Luke Casey which flew into the top left corner of the net from a long way.

Avondale United forward Simon Falvey went closest to notching Ireland's third but his powerful attempt was well saved by the Welsh keeper.

And Wales almost snatched a late equaliser but Dylan Allshorn was desperately unfortunate to see his thunderous shot crash against the bar before Khyam Wyron sent the rebound wide of the open goal.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Brendan O’Connell (Gary Cunningham 55); Jack Parke (Chris Smith 63), Adam Crowley, Jack McMullen (Aaron Humphries 63), Lee McColgan (Mickey Fox 70); AJ O’Connor, Luke Casey (Adam Murphy 70), Eoin Murphy (Stephen Chambers 63); Jimmy Carr (Nathan Broderick ht), Eoin Hayes (Gary Gannon ht), Derek Hyland (Simon Falvey ht).

WALES: Cameron Darling; Jake Cooke, Chris Cathrall, Jordan Carrington (Khyam Wyton 75), Ryan Colin (Rhys Alan Williams 56); Sam Rickett (Osian Davies ht), Sam Downey; Callum Parry, Jamie Cumming (Leon Doran 69), Dylan Allshorn; Matty Hill.

Referee: Graham Kelly.