This benefit match was part of Niall Quinn's successful campaign to raise £1m for charities in Sunderland and Dublin. Niall played for both teams during the game, his 2nd half spell for RoI ending in the 54th minute by the returning Kilbane (who himself was replaced again on 84 minutes by the returning Connolly). Lee Carsley also returned to the fray in 84 minutes, replacing Mark Kennedy.