In all, the outhalf kicked 25 points in the form of seven penalties and two conversions with his opposing number, Ronan O' Gara, again on the end of a frustating defeat.

The Irish outhalf, who received a place on the Lions tour to Australia this summer, was one of three players who figured for Munster in last weeks agonising reversal at the hands of Stade Francais, and looked to have handed the leaders victory when he put them 33-32 in front with two minutes remaining.

Cork Constitution had got off to a disastrous start with Clontarf running in two tries inside five minutes from Donal Sheehan and Dave O' Brien.

And coming up to half time,the home side led 20-11 before O' Gara converted his own try to leave just two points between the two teams at the break.

But Cork Constitution forged ahead after the break with tries from Frankie Sheehan and Conor Mahony only to be pegged back by Murphy who had an oustanding day in front of the posts.