In coach Alan Gaffney’s final league encounter before his departure back to Australia, the second-placed province picked up a ninth home success, mainly thanks to fit-again flanker Denis Leamy’s two-try salvo.

Leamy came on as a replacement to good effect after Munster had weathered an early battering from the Gunners aiming for a last-gasp lunge at a home Celtic Cup quarter-final draw.

Edinburgh fly-half Phil Godman found his range early with two penalties before Scotland full-back Chris Paterson found his way through the cover to net the game’s opening try on the quarter-hour.

The Scots – who tied up the signing of captain Todd Blackadder for another year earlier this week – took a 10-0 lead before Munster clicked into gear.

A whole different complexion was put on the tie as prop John Hayes celebrated his British and Irish Lions’ call-up with a maul-over try.

Home fly-half Jason Holland, in his 100th appearance for the men in red, converted and added the extras to wing Anthony Horgan’s burst up the left flank as Munster dominated the closing stages of the first half.

Turning 17-13 in front, Munster lapsed again as Edinburgh substitute Alasdair Dickinson forced his way over after a concerted spell of pressure from the visitors.

Paterson’s conversion meant there was all to play for.

The old Munster heads of Hayes, captain Anthony Foley and hooker Frankie Sheahan gradually began to wield more influence as the game progressed and Edinburgh’s pack were out-gunned up front.

Leamy showed his hunger for a place in Ireland’s tour squad for their June trip to Japan as he went over twice in the closing stages.

And although substitute Paul Burke robbed Edinburgh of a bonus point, Gaffney’s charges are now teed up to meet the Gunners in the Cup’s last eight as Frank Hadden’s side have claimed a league finish of seventh.