Munster had the last say in the final minute as Ethan Coughlan sprinted clear down the left wing before offloading for Cronin to score and put the cherry on top for Munster.
Both Munster teams were in action on Saturday afternoon as the men and women sides welcomed the Barbarians to Thomond Park.
Munster men beat the Barbarians 52-35 in a thrilling pre-season clash while the women’s side fell to strong invitational team.
In the second contest, Diarmuid Barron, Joey Carbery, Brian Gleeson (two), Shay McCarthy, Josh Wycherley, Fineen Wycherley and Neil Cronin were the Munster try-scorers with Carbery kicking six conversions.
Gleeson started the game after Gavin Coombes was removed from the starting line-up following the warm-up as a precaution.
Jack Daly, on his first start for Munster, was excellent throughout and set up the first try for Barron with a break in midfield as the hooker showed great pace to finish.
Carbery, who was flawless from conversions, went through for the second try before Nans Ducuing replied for the Barbarians.
Kristian Dacey finished off a rolling maul before Gleeson scored his first try for Munster after a lineout move.
Toby Arnold scored in the left corner on the stroke of half-time to make it 21-all.
Munster scored three tries in five minutes after a roaring start to the second half. Gleeson touched down for his second try from close range, McCarthy was next to go over and Josh Wycherley scored in the right corner.
Lucas Tauzin, Fineen Wycherley and Kirby Myhill all went over before the game was over as the tries kept coming.
Munster had the last say in the final minute as Ethan Coughlan sprinted clear down the left wing before offloading for Cronin to score and put the cherry on top for Munster.
Munster Women also took on the Barbarians in the first game of this historic double-header, with the invitational side ran out 12-45 winners at Thomond Park.
The Barbarians got off to a fast start with an early breakdown penalty giving them a lineout just metres from the Munster line.
A powerful maul effort saw May Campbell go over for the game’s opening try which Elinor Snowsill converted.
Munster hit right back a few minutes later when a clearing kick from the Barbarians was blocked down by Chloe Pearse. The number eight chased after the ball, collected it and then released the supporting Stephanie Nunan who scored next to the posts. Kate Flannery converted to level the game.
The Barbarians went over for a number of tries before half-time, as the visitors took a 7-38 lead into the break.
The Barbarians picked up where they left off early in the second half when Vicky Fleetwood crossed for a try under the sticks which Snowsill converted.
Munster were much improved in the second half, particularly defensively, as they kept the Barbarians at bay.
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