A DRAMATIC, last minute equaliser by Barry Quinn at Dalymount Park on Saturday afternoon helped put Ireland through to the next round of the UEFA Youths Championship qualifiers.
But Maurice Price's youngsters needed the favourable drawing of lots to pip Denmark, with whom Ireland tied, after all three games in the triangular tournament finished all square.
Midfielder Quinn proved the hero of the day for Ireland, heading home Anthony Folan's free kick just when it appeared the Poles had achieved a scarcely deserved win.
Ireland were much the better side in the first half Quinn forcing the save of the match from the impressive Premyslaw Norko from Damien Duffs cross on 33 minutes.
But Ireland lost their way, and their shape, in the second half. They survived an early scare before proceedings took a turn for the worst when striker Alan Lee was sent off for kicking out at Arkadiusz Glowacki in the 65th minute.
The agony was then piled on when Marek Saganowski gave Poland the lead from a penalty 11 minutes from the end after substitute Ross McNally had pulled down Pawel Wozniak.
The 1-1 draw eliminated Poland, but meant Ireland and Denmark were tied on goals scored so a draw had to be made.
The UEFA observer pulled Ireland out of the drum first and they now go through to face Norway home and away to decide who qualifies for the eight team finals tournament to be staged in Iceland next July.
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