The Republic of Ireland kicked off their 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with three points as they overcame Hungary in Sligo.

Robert Brady struck after a quarter of an hour to give the hosts the lead but Markó Futács restored parity before the interval. Rhys Murphy's second-half effort proved decisive, with the visitors finishing with ten men following the late dismissal of Bence Iszlai.

Ireland made most of the running in the first half and deservedly took the lead when Brady cut in from the right and drilled a low, powerful left-footed shot in from 25 metres. The home side continued on the front foot but for all their possession could not test Péter Gulácsi again. Hungary equalised against the run of play on 38 minutes when an András Gosztonyi through ball released Ádám Bódi in behind the Irish defence and he squared for Futács.

The second half was more even but Noel King's charges took the lead again on 69 minutes when Brady delivered an inswinging cross from the right that Murphy slotted in from close range. Hungary rarely looked like responding again and their hopes evaporated eight minutes from time when Iszlai was dismissed for a foul on Aidan White.