Hanrahan’s two penalties were matched by his opposite number Kris Burton in the first quarter before Cronin crashed over for the game’s opening try on 35 minutes.
Hanrahan tacked on the extras to give the hosts a 13-6 advantage at the break.
Burton closed the gap to four with a penalty shortly after the restart but when the Dragons lost captain Andrew Coombs and flanker Jevon Groves to yellow cards in quick succession, Munster made their advantage count.
O’Mahony’s try three minutes later was converted by Hanrahan, who then added the finishing touches to a 14-point win with a penalty just after the hour mark.
Pro12: Munster win gives Cork something to cheer
Updated 21.15
Munster 23-9 Dragons
JAMES CRONIN AND Peter O’Mahony scored a try in either half as Munster got back to winning ways against the Dragons.
JJ Hanrahan added 13 points with the boot in a comfortable 23-9 win for Rob Penney’s men in Musgrave Park this evening.
In a game which was overshadowed slightly by matters elsewhere, Munster struggled to create openings early on.
Hanrahan’s two penalties were matched by his opposite number Kris Burton in the first quarter before Cronin crashed over for the game’s opening try on 35 minutes.
Hanrahan tacked on the extras to give the hosts a 13-6 advantage at the break.
Burton closed the gap to four with a penalty shortly after the restart but when the Dragons lost captain Andrew Coombs and flanker Jevon Groves to yellow cards in quick succession, Munster made their advantage count.
O’Mahony’s try three minutes later was converted by Hanrahan, who then added the finishing touches to a 14-point win with a penalty just after the hour mark.
– Originally published 19.32
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