Speaking to Sky Sports post-match at Thomond Park, the Ulster and Ireland skipper was keen to praise the collective effort of the squad, who worked hard in pursuit of a Guinness PRO14 play-off spot and in doing so laid strong foundations from which they can build on next season.
"After the Cardiff game, we drew a line in the sand and decided that wherever we end up, whatever our fate, we were going to go out firing a shot and fighting and I think we've done that in the last four games. We've went out, tried to enjoy our rugby, we've tried to be physical and we've tried to win every single moment that's available.
"For me, these last four games have been really enjoyable. I feel they demonstrate more of what we are about, we've got a bit more together and tried to channel a few things in the right direction.
"I think the management, the coaches and the players all deserve a lot of credit for the last four games. We've dug deep. Rather than letting the season just whimper out and drifting into the Challenge Cup we've given ourselves a platform to build on for next season so that no matter what, it's not something to fear.
"I couldn't be prouder of the amount of effort that's gone in over the last four games. We picked up 16 out of the available 20 points and went really close to putting a lot of pressure on Edinburgh, and we can take real encouragement from the young players we've brought through. Ultimately, a culmination of things caught up with us but we have something we can build on for next season."