The Republic of Ireland Men's Under-15s defeated Wales 3-2 in a friendly match at Newport in Wales on St Patrick's Day.

Jason Donohue's team grabbed a commanding two-goal lead in the first half, with Eoin Hannon and James Roche scoring, before Wales levelled the score. A late goal from captain Cathal O'Sullivan would give Ireland the victory.

Ireland had a strong start to the match, with O'Sullivan's free-kick being well saved by Welsh goalkeeper Sam Segar, who tipped it around the post. Ike Orazi burst into the Welsh area and with an excellent pass sent the ball to Eoin Hannon, who put it past Segar to open the scoring for Ireland.

They would add a second goal shortly after, as James Roche headed home from a corner brought in by Orazi to double Ireland's total. O'Sullivan tried his luck from a set-piece followed by a shot from the edge of the box as Ireland continued to press, but his brace of chances went wide of the Welsh goal.

O'Sullivan would go near again with a long-range effort, forcing Segar to make a well-placed stop to tip it over the bar. For the visitors, Orazi came near, but his strike was blocked by the Welsh defence.

With two goals in short succession early in the second half, Wales will draw level. Cruz Allen, a Welsh substitute, defeated Joe Collins before Oliver Bostok added a second six minutes later to level the score.

However, the scoring was not yet complete for the away team, as Ireland would score with nine minutes remaining. Cathal O'Sullivan applied the finish to seal the tie after Afi Adebayo dribbled into the area to pass it to the Ireland captain.

Wales: Sam Segar, Brayden Clarke, Eliott Myles, Iestyn Jones, Ben Phillips, Billy Clarke, Luca Picotto, Harlen Perry, Joshua Salmon ©, Mannie Barton, Zac King-Phillips.

Republic of Ireland: Joe Collins, Fiacra Coffey, Tommy Lillis (Christian Donlon-Goncalves 70), James Roche, Luke Mulligan, Ike Orazi (Kyle Fitzgerald 64), Darragh Marshall, Eoin Hannon (Afi Adebayo 41), Marvin Chan, Sean Moore (Matthew Moore 41), Cathal O’Sullivan.

Subs not used: Jack Ellis, Luke O’Donnell, Kaylem Hartnett.