O'Gara appreciated there was an "ironic" element to his side's latest reverse.

Having represented Munster 240 times, and played a huge part in Heineken Cup successes of 2006 and '08, he became known as a player who delivered in the big moments.

Jack Crowley's 70th-minute drop-goal ultimately proved the difference on Saturday with the Irish fly-half delivering a kick that the would have sat comfortably in the highlights reel of the man in the opposing coaching box.

"I'm obviously gutted but I think you've got to compliment and congratulate Munster on how they constructed their victory," O'Gara said.

"It was pretty ironic how they won it, getting it out to eight points with a peach of a drop-goal.

"I've seen a lot of good drop-goals but that's a top-class one."

For a man who represented Munster with such distinction, and who had a knack for delivering such dramatic moments himself, it was an odd feeling for O'Gara.

"For a second I thought Jack Crowley was with me then you're like, 'that's the wrong team'," he added.