An own goal from Kevin Kilbane gave Bulgaria a vital point and a 1-1 draw in this 2010 World Cup qualifier at Croke Park, writes RTÉ Sport's Glenn Mason.
Richard Dunne put Ireland ahead inside the opening minute when he headed home after John O'Shea flicked on Stephen Hunt's free-kick.
The visitors got a deserved equaliser on 74 minutes when Stiliyan Petrov's shot was deflected past Shay Given by Kilbane's knee.
It was disappointing for Ireland to concede in this way, but it was the least Stanimir Stoilov's side deserved on the balance of play.
They arrived in Dublin without star player Dimitar Berbatov and fellow frontman Valeri Bojinov, but left Croke Park with their qualification hopes still intact.
The point keeps Ireland well placed in Group 8 but it was a chance lost as Giovanni Trapattoni's side now face three tough away games, starting with Italy on Wednesday night in Bari.
Dunne gave Ireland the perfect start inside 40 seconds after Hunt had been fouled on the left. Hunt took the free himself and the Manchester City centre-half lost his marker, Igor Tomasic, to head O'Shea's flick-on beyond Dimitar Ivankov.
The visitors responded well to going behind and proceeded to dominate possession and territory for the rest of the opening quarter.
With captain Petrov orchestrating moves in the centre of midfield, Bulgaria looked the side more likely to score next. Indeed Petrov tested Given with a 25-yard effort as early as the fourth minute.
Ireland were fortunate to be still in front after 27 minutes when they were carved open down their left flank. Stanislav Manolev outpaced Hunt and Kilbane and pulled the ball back into the box but Blagoy Georgiev's tame effort was saved by Given.
Bulgaria threatened again on 35 minutes after a misjudgement by Kilbane allowed Stanislav Angelov in at the back post. However, Dimitar Rangelov's finish lacked composure and he failed to find the target.
Hunt was the main hope of a second Irish goal in the first half, as Keane and Doyle were well marshalled by Iliyan Stoyanov and Tomasic.
Ireland improved after the break and Keane could have doubled the advantage on the hour but he was denied by Ivankov after Doyle headed on.
McGeady had had a quiet first half but his influence grew after the break and he had a glorious chance to put the game beyond Bulgaria after 67 minutes.
Ivankov flapped at Hunt's cross gifting the ball to McGeady, but the keeper redeemed himself by stopping the Celtic midfielder's rebound.
Bulgaria got a deserved equaliser on 74 minutes but in fortuitous circumstances as Kilbane put through his own net. Radostin Kishishev found Petrov unmarked at the back post and his shot deflected off Kilbane and past a helpless Given.
The game could have gone either way in a frantic finale as both sides pushed for a winner. Keane wasted two good chances and Doyle tamely headed at Ivankov from a cross by Keith Andrews with Ireland's best chance of the game.
Rep of Ireland: Given, McShane, Dunne O'Shea, Kilbane, McGeady (Keogh '90) Andrews, Whelan, S Hunt, Doyle, Keane.
Subs not used: Kiely, Delaney, Kelly, Gibson, Folan, N Hunt.
Bulgaria: Ivankov, Manolev, Stoyanov, Tomasic, Milanov (Kishishev '23), Telkiyski, Angelov, Petrov, Georgiev (Makriev '66), Popov (Dimitrov h/t), Rangelov.
Subs not used: Petkov, Yankov, Todorov, Topuzakov.
Booked: Milanov, Manolev.
Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia).
Attendance: 60,002
Rep of Ireland 1-1 Bulgaria
