(MENAFN- Kora) Joe Schmidt's side - for whom centre Brian O'Driscoll earned a record-equalling 139th international cap - had harboured hopes of a Grand Slam going into the showdown, and looked on course to continue their quest when Rob Kearney scored shortly after half-time
The home crowd were not to be disappointed, however, as Danny Care's try in the 56th minute restored England's lead and ensured that the top four have now all won two and lost one of their opening three fixtures
England thought they had taken the lead as early as the sixth minute when concerted pressure led to winger Jonny May touching down in the right-hand corner following 17 phases of play, but the video referee showed that he had dropped the ball in the tackle
Ireland grew into the game after a tough opening 15 minutes and Andrew Trimble was held up just shy of the line after some resolute England defence
It took 24 minutes for the first points to be put on the board, England fly-half Owen Farrell converting a superb penalty from 50 metres on the right hand side. The Saracens man missed another difficult attempt but England led 3-0 at the break
The visitors made an electric start to the second half and Rob Kearney scored the first try of the game just two minutes after the break. Devin Toner tapped down to Jamie Heaslip at a line-out and his pass found Rob Kearney, who broke through the defence. Jonny Sexton kicked the extras to open up a 7-3 lead
Sexton and Farrell then exchanged penalties, before England found the crucial breakthrough on 56 minutes. Full-back Mike Brown waltzed his way through the Ireland defence and his inside pass found scrum-half Care who touched down under the posts, meaning Farrell had an easy conversion
England's inexperienced starting 15 were put under pressure in the closing stages and it required a fine tackle from Mako Vunipola on O'Driscoll to quell a promising Irish attack in the closing stages
Luther Burrell also had to be aware, the centre making a fine turnover when Dave Kearney had broken down the left
Stuart Lancaster's men did hold on, however, to reignite England's hopes of a Six Nations title with two matches left to play
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