Dave Connell's team are preparing for the upcoming UEFA European Championship qualifiers and this test - against a very good Belgian side - will stand to them.
Ireland were able to use the game to introduce a number of new players to U19 level, including Shelbourne Ladies midfielder Kavanagh, who did not look out of the place.
The Dubliner kept her cool from the penalty spot on 12 minutes to get the scores back level after conceding early on, but Ireland then slipped behind again.
Still, Connell will have been able to pick out many positives from the performance and the strength of his roster, which contains many who competed in the previous campaign, is something to build on.
In fact, it took a goal in the third minute of added time to separate the teams. Ireland's ability to hold off their opponents and put them under pressure - a notable trait under Connell - was evident throughout.
The focus will now turn to the First Round Quaifying games against Wales, Macedonia and Italy as Connell bids to guide another team at this level to the European Championship finals.
Republic of Ireland: McQuillan; McCartan, Moloney, Finn, Prior; Noonan, Farrelly, Kavanagh; Nolan, Ryan-Doyle, Kiernan.