Tries from Geordan Murphy and Ollie Smith sent Tigers on their way to a history-making 13-6 victory over the defending European champions as they became the first visiting side to triumph at Thomond Park. The four points also put Tigers top of Pool Four and guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals for the eighth time in 10 attempts.
"As a coach, this is the best win I have been involved in," said Howard. "Stade Francais at home last season was a very good one, but we are immensely pleased to win here.
"Munster beat us in the first game at Welford Road and they were the better team on that day, and today we have won and I felt we were the better team."
Howard and his players had to cope with a late change to the line-up, when Daryl Gibson was ruled out by injury, and the wet and windy conditions also meant some alterations to the game-plan, but Howard was delighted by the attitude and commitment of his whole squad.
"Overall, our ball control on the first half was outstanding, Ian Humphreys kicked very well and we got ourselves into good positions," he said.
"We defended with a lot of guts. For all the technique and the ability, you have still got to work hard and make your tackles, and the guys did that.
"I barely had to say a word at half-time. George Chuter and Martin Corry led the talk and the guys were very focused and knew the job was only half done at that stage."
There were heroes all over the pitch for Tigers in the unique and noisy surroundings of Thomond Park, but Howard was particularly impressed by the forwards who took the game to their hosts, excelled in the scrum and put their bodies on the line in some tense defensive situations.
"We have a competitive pack and they can match with the best in Europe," he said. "We know if our attitude is right we are going to be a handful for any pack. Full credit to the players, their attitude was spot on."
