James Cronin and Mike Haley scored tries either side of the break for the Limerick-based outfit who were pegged back by Connacht through Matt Healy and Paul Boyle scores.

But it was the late penalty from Carbery which secured the win for the hosts and a spot in the PRO14 final for the first time since 2017.

Elsewhere on Friday, Leicester Tigers came from behind to defeat London Irish 33-32 in a dramatic clash at Welford Road.

London Irish led most of the way, but ill-discipline proved costly as they were reduced to 14 men in the second half and the hosts took full advantage, with Kini Murimurivalu crossing to secure the win.

The other Gallagher Premiership match saw Sale Sharks cruise to a 31-16 win over Newcastle Falcons, with tries from Marland Yarde, Lood de Jager and Simon Hammersley doing the damage for the hosts.

Munster Rugby fly-half Joey Carbery came off the bench for the second time since returning from a long-term injury to score five crucial points in a 20-17 Guinness PRO14 win over Connacht Rugby on Friday night.