Shane Long was the hero for Ireland as his injury time equaliser gave Ireland a much deserved 1-1 draw.
With pressure on Ireland after Scotland crushed pub team Gibraltar Martin O Neills men knew a result would be needed to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Ireland made a bright start as man of the match Wes Hoolahan shot just wide after a quickly taken free.
Poland always posed a danger though and came close through Sevilla midfielder Krychowiak who headed over after a great delivery from Rybus something Ireland were lacking from Brady.
Poland took the lead on 26 minutes when an error from Brady allowed Pesko to disposses him and he linked up well with Rybus and then unleashed a bullet effort past the returning Shay Given.
Ireland responded brightly though as the largely ineffective Aiden McGeady chipped wide after some good foot work in the box.
After the interval Ireland improved as Polish keeper Fabianski could only watch as Bradys deflected cross came off the post.
Ireland brought on James McClean and he added a cutting edge to Ireland attack. It was his cross that set up Robbie Keane whose header was clawed on to the post by Fabianski.
It was McCleans crunching tackle on Polish striker Milik which got the Irish crowd going again. McClean again crossed dangerously and the ball made its way to Robbie Keane who left it for Seamus Coleman who blazed over.
Martin O Neill made a positive substitution as the game entered its final 10 minutes bringing Long on for Whelan who once again along with McCarthy failed to control the midfield.In the final moments of the game Coleman floated a cross under Fabianski and under pressure he could only punch over his own crossbar.
From the resulting corner Ireland got their lifeline as Bradys deep corner was headed back by the impressive Hoolahan into the path of Shane Long whose deflected shot went over Fabianski and Ireland got a draw they deserved