 Coughlan was still just 18-years-old when he was added to the Glen Rovers senior hurling team in advance of the 1964 Championship.On 11 October 1964, he was a member of the extended panel when Glen Rovers claimed the championship after a 3-12 to 2-07 defeat of St. Finbarr's in the final.By the time the Munster Club Championship was completed nearly 18 months later, Coughlan had broken onto the starting fifteen.