Despite a lot of effort in the second period, there was little creativity and the Irish defence were rarely stretched after the break.
As time ticked on, England grew increasingly nervous and snatched at the half chances that came their way rather than taking their time and building pressure.
The only second half score came from a penalty from replacement Irish fly half Brian Kingston as the Irish earned a famous 25-10 win.
The irony was that England were looking well set midway through the first half. A Freddie Burns penalty gave them a 3-0 lead and, through the muscular pack, a first try seemed likely.
However, a turnover near the Irish line was hacked downfield with the English backs caught cold and the ball bounded beautifully for Irish full back Andrew Conway to score.
McKinney added a penalty for Ireland before, minutes later, Jonny May tried to run out of defence. His attempted chip was blocked and fell kindly for Darren Hudson to run in the second Irish try.
Burns responded as he converted a penalty try as the England pack stepped it up a gear but a third try followed for Ireland, on the brink of half time, as Hudson's break and grubber kick sat up nicely for Conway to gather and score. McKinney converted the first two but not the third but Ireland were already well on the way to the win.
