First-half goals from Gavin Peers and Killian Brennan eased Pat Fenlon's young League of Ireland stars to an impressive victory in the opening match of the International Challenge Trophy at Dalymount Park.
The horde of cross-channel scouts in attendance must have been impressed as the cream of the domestic game's talent cruised past a younger Slovak side.
While technically good, the Slovak side - effectively an under-20 team - were outplayed by a more eager Irish team.
Killian Brennan blazed over on seven minutes before being instrumental in both opening goals, scoring the second himself.
The first on 26 minutes was simplicity itself. Sligo defender Gavin Peers stole in at the back post unmarked to head home Brennan's free-kick.
Brennan curled wide form another free-kick minutes later, before doubling the lead on 33 minutes.
Slovakia keeper Lukas Hrosso pawed Ger O'Brien's low cross straight to Stephen Rice whose shot came down off the bar. Brennan arrived to shoot home, the ball having crossed the line before Hrosso claimed it.
Slovakia remained on the back foot in the second half as Ireland streamed forward, wasting a great chance to increase their lead further within six minutes.
The miss was all the more remarkable as it came from Premier Division topscorer Dave Mooney, who ballooned high over the bar from Denis Behan's lay-off with only Hrosso to beat.
Hrosso then excelled a minute later to keep Ireland out with an agile save as defender Conor Kenna got a flick header to another Brennan free-kick.
Mooney looked set to redeem himself with a goal on 67 minutes, but Hrosso made yet another super save, tipping over the bar from the Longford striker's dipping volley.
The woodwork came to the Slovaks rescue as captain Paul Keegan rattled the bar with a terrific long-range drive.
Republic of Ireland Under-23: Murphy (Shamrock Rovers); G. O'Brien (Shamrock Roves), Peers (Sligo Rovers), Kenna (UCD), Powell (Bohemians); Kelly (Bohemians), Keegan (Drogheda United), Rice (Shamrock Rovers), Brennan (Derry City); Mooney (Longford Town), Behan (Cork City). Subs: Rowe (Shamrock Rovers) for Behan (64), O'Donnell (Bohemians) for Rice (70), Sammon (UCD) for Mooney (78), Kavanagh (Bray Wanderers) for Kelly (90).
Slovakia Under-23: Hrosso; Cogley, Janokis, Gallo, Furman; Lesko, Shlek, Zapotoka, Juhar; Duris, Khzma. Subs: Lacny for Furman (h/t), Katona for Khsma (64), Roth for Lacny (inj. 81), Gabris for Duris (88).
Referee: Richie Winter (Dublin).
