Niall Quinn's testimonial was backed by a Stadium of Light crowd of 35,702 in his bid to raise Stg£1million for children's charities.
In the absence of Keane, it was Steve Staunton who had led out Ireland, before special guests for the night in former Republic boss Jack Charlton and Sunderland Player of the Century poll winner Charlie Hurley then played their part in the kick off.
In what will have proved a useful workout for 22 of boss Mick McCarthy's players, Ireland took the lead after just 122 seconds courtesy of Wolves' Mark Kennedy.
Quinn departed in a red-and-white striped shirt in the 23rd minute to a resounding round of applause, which allowed him to enjoy Ireland's second from a fan's point of view 10 minutes later.
Connolly curled home a delightful 25-yard right-foot free-kick beyond Jurgen Macho, the Austrian starting in the absence of number one Thomas Sorensen who had linked up with Denmark's World Cup squad.
Quinn then started the second half in the green of Ireland, lasting just 13 minutes before giving way to another Sunderland player in winger Kevin Kilbane, but like Jason McAteer he was playing for the Republic.
It was Kilbane, who had also played the entire first half, who applied the finish to the game by heading home the third 10 minutes from time.
Quinn, who was given a standing ovation when he emerged for one final time after the final whistle, will now go on to enjoy his international swansong with Ireland in the World Cup.
The question remains, though, whether this was Quinn's last game in front of the Sunderland fans as he is still undecided whether to see out the final year of his contract with the Wearside club.
PA