 On 12 October 1980, he led the team from left wing-back to an appearance in the final against St. Finbarr's.Coughlan ended the game on the losing side after a 1-09 to 2-04 defeat.On 13 September 1981, Coughlan lined out in his 10th final, with reigning champions St. Finbarr's providing the opposition for a second successive year.