REPORT | Hayes strike makes it three on the bounce
A goal after 37 minutes from Newmarket Celtic's Eoin Hayes proved the difference as Gerry Davis' side continue to impress after their back-to-back wins over Wales last month.
It was an impressive goal to win the contest. Oliver Bond Celtic's Jimmy McHugh was able to knock the ball down for the evergreen Hayes to snatch onto and finish as the contest approached half-time.
Northern Ireland provided stern opposition in a high-tempo contest but AJ O'Connor and Stephen Chambers, Man of the Match, impressed while Hayes and McHugh caused problems all night for the home side.
Davis used all of his substitute options during the second-half but despite any potential disruption, Ireland held firm and recorded another impressive victory with the return fixture scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, with kick-off at 7.45pm at Whitehall.
Republic of Ireland: Gary Cunningham; Chris Smith, Lee McColgan, Jack McMullen, Adam Crowley, AJ O'Connor, Michael Fox, Stephen Chambers, Eoin Hayes, Eoin Murphy, Jimmy Mc Hugh
Subs: Aaron Humphreys, Garbhan Manley, Luke Casey, Shane Stritch, Brendan O'Connell, Jack Kelly
Northern Ireland: L Hunter; Alan McMurty, Jack Reilly, Dan McMurty, Sam Dinu, Richard Gowdy, Ciaran Hegarty, Brian Newell, Patrick Downey, Adam Neale, Brian McKervey.
Subs: Dean Smyth, Matthew Gorman, Matthew Devine, Aidan McNeill, Paul Maguire, Anthony Burns, Jack Rainey, Nathan Johnson, Charlie Dornan.