The 16-8 defeat dealt a blow to the Ulstermen's RaboDirect PRO12 play-off hopes but with a Heineken Cup semi-final clash against Edinburgh round the corner McLaughlin is desperate to finish his tenure on a high.
The former Ireland skills coach will take up a role with the club's academy next season but after taking over from Australian Matt Williams in 2009 McLaughlin believes his current crop can go all the way in Europe.
With his side's final RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Munster on May 5, McLaughlin will be crossing his fingers for some favourable results over the weekend while plotting the demise of Edinburgh next Saturday.
"We are disappointed to have lost and that's the RaboDirect PRO12 gone for two weeks really," said McLaughlin.
"We just have to see how the results pan out over the weekend and see where we are then but this season is not over yet.
"We are exceptionally disappointed. We wanted to come away with a win, but we showed that we are more than capable of going toe to toe with the European champions.
"It has been a great pleasure over the three years to play at Ravenhill, it has been special and I have been fortunate to fulfil the dream and I am grateful for Ulster Rugby for giving me the opportunity."
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