Ulster were much the better side on the day, having shrugged off their off-field issues - McLaughlin confirming earlier this week that he won't be in charge next season.
But he was delighted to see his players chalk up a fourth RaboDirect PRO12 victory in five matches.
"We probably let four chances go in the first half, which was a little disappointing, but again we were coming back from a three-week break and conditions were not great out there," he said.
"But in the second half we did better and we kept the intensity and energy there.
"The rugby is the most important thing and that is making sure the guys are in the right place and kick on in PRO12 and making sure that whenever our opportunity comes at Thomond Park in April we are ready for that.
"That is my focus, that is the players' focus and that is exactly what we want."
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