It looked like Cardiff were to going to lament the failure to claim a restart after their third try and a costly kick out on the full when they trailed by eight in the closing stages.
However, a strong scrum, brave kick to the 22 by replacement Ioan Lloyd and a patient attack ended with Bowen scuttling over for their fourth try.
There was a nervous wait for the TMO to deem there was no clear knock-on in the build-up by Taine Basham before Cardiff could toast what has to go down as a successful trip to Ireland despite the 23-20 defeat.
Granted, they missed five kicks at goal in windy conditions, failed to hold onto the lead three times and were frustrated by a forward pass in the lead up to Munster’s first try, but they are in credit.
Cardiff are two points better off than many would have predicted thanks to their pair of bonuses at Thomond Park – where they have lost all 12 games – and a five-pointer against Lions.
The loss in Limerick featured two wonderful hat-tricks with the bustling Bowen going over three times and fly-half Callum Sheedy providing three assists, two with pinpoint kicks and another with a peach of a tip-on.
The fly-half was clattered as he set up the third try and that ended his night.
Cardiff have given themselves a platform to make it an excellent first block with a home game against Connacht, a trip to a Dragons side desperate to end their Blue and Black hoodoo, and an Arms Park date with Edinburgh.
They still have plenty of work-ons and need to be more cut-throat in the 22. Midfield is a concern due to injuries and Ben Thomas’ suspension, though the loss of Matt Sherratt doesn’t appear to have completely thrown them.
As with all four Welsh sides, the key will be how they cope with the squad being stretched.
