Dempsey looking for Magners League hat-trick

For the 34-year-old, 82-times capped international is two wins short of picking up a third Magners League winners medal.

In 2002 and 2008 the titles came via a conventional league programme, but this season things have changed.

There was a fear that Sunday night's clash with Edinburgh might have been Dempsey's last outing in front of the Leinster fans some 14 years on from his debut.

But the last gasp victory over the stubborn Scots not only allowed Leinster to finish on top of the regular season league table, but also bagged them home advantage in this week's second Play-Off semi-final against Munster at the RDS on Saturday night (kick-off 8pm).

It means Dempsey, who played on the left wing in the 35-28 win over Edinburgh, can now look forward to an all-Irish derby on home soil this weekend and then dream of potentially bringing the curtain down on his incredible career in the Magners League Grand Final at the RDS on Saturday, May 29 should Leinster beat Munster.

Last weekend's game against Edinburgh was his 175th appearance for Leinster and his 85th in the Magners League. He also needs a mere seven points to reach 100 in the Magners League.

The game against the reigning Magners League Champions looks like being an 18,500 sell-out and Leinster have already announced that General Sale tickets are now sold out.

Munster received a 25% share of the capacity, while Leinster Season Ticket holders will need to purchase their tickets for this game.

They can do this via their Season Ticket account until 5pm on Tuesday, 11 May. Season Ticket cards will not be valid for this fixture. Any unsold or returned tickets will then go on sale via the Leinster website (www.leinsterrugby.ie) later in the week..