Jonathan Hayes scored a 78th-minute equaliser to give the Ireland Under-21s a 1-1 draw against hosts Madeira in the opening game of the Madeira Invitational Tournament.
Hayes produced a composed finish after collecting a pass from Andrew Keogh to fire home from 12 yards.
Madeira had taken the lead through a spectacular 35-yard strike by left-back Patricio in the 59th minute which gave goalkeeper Darren Quigley little chance.
Arsenal youngster Anthony Stokes was denied a last-minute winner for the Irish with a free-kick which crashed down off the crossbar and appeared to bounce down over the line.
A few minutes earlier, Irish captain Michael Timlin of Fulham had been dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Senior team manager Steve Staunton was present at the Estadio Municipal dos Barreiros in Funchal to watch the inexperienced Irish side in action.
The Republic of Ireland's next fixture is against Finland on Wednesday and they meet Portugal in their final match on Friday.
