Published Saturday, 29 December 2012
The loss was Ulster's first of the Pro12 season. (© Presseye)
The hosts opened the scoring at Thomond Park when Ian Keatley kicked them ahead after four minutes.
Niall O'Connor put Ulster level but a penalty try converted by Keatley made it 10-3 to Munster at half time.
Meanwhile Paul Marshall was sinbinned on 34 minutes for kicking out in the maul.
After the break the home side made the most of their numerical advantage with a Simon Zebo try under the posts.
Keatly converted to put Munster 17-3 ahead.
Peter O'Mahony then scored under the posts to extend the home side's lead, again converted by Keatley.
However the inexperienced Ulster side finished well and Ali Birch scored his first try at the death to cap a superb 25-minute display, leaving coach Mark Anscombe with plenty of positives to take from the evening.
Ulster stay nine points clear at the top of the Pro 12 table.