In front of a large Thomond Park attendance, Lawlor touched down after an impressive cameo as a replacement, on a night when fellow winger Shaun Payne shined.

Much of Munster's attention in the first half was drawn by England out-half Jonny Wilkinson, making his second appearance since successfully coming through a shoulder-neck operation in February.

The busy number 10 set up and converted a fourth minute try from former All Black Mark Mayerhofler.

The World Cup winner broke clear to secure a second half penalty, which he duly kicked for a 10-6 lead before his departure on the hour.

Former Irish international Paul Burke had kept Munster in contention with two first half penalties but with 2003 skipper Jim Williams forced off with a suspected calf injury, a home win was drifting away.

But Lawlor was on hand to dart past lapse Falcons cover to score to the right of the post in injury time.

Scorers:

Munster: Tries: Lawlor; Con: Lawlor; Pens: P Burke 2

Newcastle: Try: Mayerhofler; Con: Wilkinson; Pen: Wilkinson.