 After a four-year absence, Coughlan was recalled to the Munster football team for the 1972 Railway Cup.On 17 March 1972, he lined out at centre-forward for the 1-15 apiece draw with Leinster in the final.Coughlan retained his position on the starting fifteen for the replay on 23 April 1972 and ended the game with a winners' medal after the 2-14 to 0-10 victory.