Two second-half goals from two Quinns ensured the Republic of Ireland started the Pinatar Cup with a 2-1 victory over Poland in La Manga, Spain.

Vera Pauw's team went in scoreless at half-time and fell behind soon after the restart when Paulina Dudek converted a penalty - harshly awarded for a handball against Niamh Fahey.

Ireland showed their fighting spirit with Lucy Quinn firing in a superb left-footed effort to draw level on 52 minutes before Louise Quinn powered in a header on 75 minutes to give them a lead that they would not surrender.

In what was a physical battle, Ireland went toe to toe with a team ahead of them in the FIFA Women's World Rankings and created several patterns of play that showed they are a team constantly trying to play on the front foot.

Fahey, making her 100th appearance, was immense as part of a back three alongside Louise Quinn and Savannah McCarthy. She didn't need the captain's armband to prove that she is a natural leader.

Denise O'Sullivan had the first chance of the game when she broke in behind the Polish lines inside the opening 15 minutes but her shot was directly at goalkeeper Karolina Kalbs.

Poland were given a penalty five minutes into the second half and Dudek made no mistake from the spot to give them the lead.

Ireland never panicked and continued to play in a positive way with Lucy Quinn cutting in from the right to wreak havoc while the composed passing of Ruesha Littlejohn linked play.

It was Birmingham City ace Lucy Quinn - who was the Sky Ireland Player of the Match - who got them back level when instinctively letting rip with her left foot from distance.

Poland had a couple of half chances, while O'Sullivan forced Kalbs into another save before Louise Quinn got her 13th senior goal with a header inside the penalty area after connecting with Katie McCabe's cross.

Wearing orange for the first time, Ireland held on to secure victory.

Ireland will next be in action on Saturday as they continue to use this tournament for preparation for the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier against Sweden in April.