 On 7 May 1972, Coughlan won a second National Hurling League medal - his first on the field of play - after Cork's 3-14 to 2-14 defeat of Limerick in the final.On 16 July 1972, he lined out at midfield when Cork faced Kerry in the Munster final once again.He scored 1-01 from play but ended the game on the losing side as the Cork senior footballers surrendered their title after a 2-21 to 2-15 defeat.