The winning score came from the boot of out-half Ian Keatley whose drop-goal ten minutes from the end of normal time sealed victory.
Replacement full-back Felix Jones played a huge part in this win The Seapoint clubman was drafted into the side when senior international Luke Fitzgerald was forced to withdraw and Jones scored the two tries that brought the Irish back into this contest and ultimate success.
Ireland: F Jones; S Monahan, D Cave, A Wynne, K Earls; I Keatley, P O'Donohoe; D Millard (R Murphy 40 mins), R Sweeney (G Slattery 75), J Hagan; C McInerney, A Browne; T Anderson, D Pollock (capt), S O'Brien (T O'Donnell 9 mins).
Wales: M Thomas; A Jenkins, J Lewis, A Smith (c), T James; R Priestland (R Jones 58 mins), R Lewis (D Allison 63 mins); H Gustafson, K Owens (B Flower 71), J Corsi; A Brown, L Reed (J Down 53); D Lydiate, (S Kiley 18-22 mins), J Harris, L Evans.