With 19 minutes gone Grand Slam champions Wales had a 17-point lead and Nigel Carolan's Wolfpuppies were on the ropes.
There were four uncapped players in the Ireland starting XV for this World U20 Championship opener in Manchester and it seemed like a chastening experience was on the cards for these debutants.
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But the Irish side summoned the spirit that saw them fight back so incredibly in the second half of the U20 Six Nations game against England in February.
There must be something in the air when the Wolfpuppies go to England because just like that night at Kingston Park when all seemed lost the Irish side came to life.
Tries from Ulster duo Adam McBurney and Jacob Stockdale brought Ireland to within two points of the Welsh at the interval.
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Wales extended their lead to five points with a penalty shortly after the restart.
But then Ireland took control.
Munster out-half Bill Johnston then kicked two penalties to give Ireland a slender lead.
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Ireland smelt blood now and Jacob Stockdale crossed in the corner to extend the advantage to six points.
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Wales showed their class in the final moments, piling on the pressure and eventually piercing the massed Irish defence when Keelan Giles touched down in the corner.
But Jarrod Evans was unable to land the conversion from the touchline and Ireland held on to get their campaign off to a perfect star.
Next up are the All Blacks on Saturday.
