Bittersweet end for almost perfect Leinster

After holding off on a homecoming last weekend the boys in blue went in search of more glory -- but fell just short at the RDS.

However, the fans were not too concerned as they saluted last week's historic Heineken Cup win in Twickenham.

The dream of a cup and league double died but the lions were still the toast of Dublin 4.

Although they lost to the Ospreys in the Rabo Direct PRO12's grand final, Joe Schmidt's men made sure to give their blue army a lap of gratitude.

Basking in another day of glorious sunshine in the grounds of the RDS, the Heineken Cup winners kept a relatively low profile as they unwound with their wives and girlfriends after the tense game.

Captain Leo's other half Dairine led the way for the WAG party.

She joined up with model Aoife Cogan, Mary Scott, Cliona Godwin and Hazel O'Sullivan, who also turned up to support their men.

Two obviously absent faces were Amy Huberman and actress girlfriend of Rob Kearney, Suzie Amy -- both of whom are in the UK due to work commitments.

Unlike last year when the players lined out at the Mansion House for a lavish official homecoming, the side kept the partying to a minimum this time around.

Many of the sporting stars swapped their blue jerseys for their Ireland kit this morning as they took off on an early flight in preparation for an international tour in New Zealand.

But BOD and the boys did enjoy a few pints before taking off.

labutler@herald.ie