Heaslip, who started all three tests in South Africa, was named man of the match as the Dublin side recorded their first victory in Limerick for 15 years.

Fellow Irish international Jonny Sexton's 67th minute penalty was enough to give the visitors a 16-15 win with full-back Rob Kearney crossing for the game's only try.

And after moving seven points clear of their great rival at the top of the Magners League with a game in hand, the No.8 turned his attentions to Friday’s Heineken Cup quarter final.

“That was right up there with any international match in terms of intensity,” he said..

“It's always nice to beat Munster, but we know that it was a battle and we just came out on top.

“We're not going to let this win go to our heads.

“Although it's good to have a bit more space between us at the top of the league, we have a lot of hard games coming up, particularly next week's against Clermont.”