 Coughlan first became involved in club management when he was appointed trainer of the St. Catherine's junior hurling team at the start of the 1983 season.On 28 August 1983, he saw the team capture the East Cork Championship after a 4-14 to 3-07 defeat of Midleton in the final.On 6 November 1983, St. Catherine's qualified for the final of the Cork Junior Championship where they faced Aghabullogue.