In a forward-dominated game played in a stiff wind at the Royal Dublin Showground, Corry said: "It was always going to be a match of few opportunities. We probably had one opportunity to score and we failed, they had one chance and they took it.
"It is difficult to play with the wind coming straight down the pitch and we did not make best use of the conditions in the first half. You have to score your points with the wind behind you and we needed to get a lead going into half-time. Then perhaps we needed to show a bit more on the ball in the second half."
Tigers did enjoy the lead at 6-3 following two Andy Goode penalties in the first 20 minutes, but Leinster fly-half Felipe Contepomi kicked five penalties of his own and played a part in the decisive try from Shane Horgan shortly before the hour mark.
"Their defence was excellent but we have to say how many questions did we ask of that defence?" said skipper Corry after his 59th appearance for Tigers in the Heineken Cup.
"It was an intense game, very physical, and that is what we expected. It was always going to be an attritional game in these conditions. When it is a game like that you have to fight for everything and make sure you keep hold of the ball. We turned over ball too many times in the second half."
Tigers recovered from an opening-game defeat by Munster to come through last year's pool and ultimately reach a fourth European final in May. With a group which also features Toulouse and Edinburgh, they will need to overcome more tough competition this time.
"We showed spirit and character last year and we have to do it again," said Corry. "This side has shown mental strength week in, week out and year in, year out, now we need to show it again."
Tigers resume Heineken Cup action on Saturday with a home match against Edinburgh. Tickets are on sale now, contact the Tigers ticket office on 08701 28 34 30, book online or call in at Welford Road.
