Coughlan clocks up the miles in Bohs’ battles
Bohemians' consistency has been remarkable, their record impeccable won nine out of eleven, the other two drawn. They are the only unbeaten team in the country with 21 goals for and 12 against.
"It is a bit of a surprise when you recall our run," he said. "We actually have the best defensive record in the league but we just couldn't keep a clean sheet. It's great for confidence when you do it."
Bohs will be glad of this confidence when they face into Sunday's FAI Carlsberg Cup semi-final against Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park (3pm) as warm favourites for the big double.
It is a prospect that excites Coughlan, who is certain to set a personal record this season, his first with Bohemians.
It is part of his agreement that he travels to Dublin from his native Cork twice a week for training. Toss in just one match and his travel log is up to an average 1,000 miles a week.
It is a vicious schedule, made possible only because of an extraordinary set of circumstances. Coughlan, 26, is a member of the police/fire service at Cork Airport and works shifts. His colleagues have rallied to his aid by swapping schedules to allow him the freedom to travel to Dublin and train with Bohs two mornings every week.
He said: "I'm one of only three part-time players in Bohs' league squad.
The professionals train in the mornings so I can fly from Cork in time for training and fly back at lunchtime to begin my shift at the airport at four o'clock."
Bohs play most of their matches in Dublin and while Coughlan can fly to the capital, as he did on Wednesday to play against Longford, he has to drive home. He was happy to have the company of his father Seamus on his return journey but it was a very tired footballer who finally climbed into bed after two o'clock.
Coughlan's transfer to Bohs this summer came as a surprise to those who became familiar over the past seven years with seeing his powerful frame anchor Cork City's formidable defence. But while he declined to discuss the reasons for his move, it is obvious they revolved around contractual arrangements for this shortened season.
What is clearly obvious is that while Cork are missing his talented presence, Bohs have been even more impressive this season because of his arrival. But he expressed some disappointment with the fact he has scored only once in seven league matches for Bohs.
Despite that glitch he has settled in quickly. "The football has been great. It is a very professional set-up and the players are all top-class."
Coughlan looked set for a successful professional career when he was signed by Liam Brady for Brighton when he was just 17. Two years later he broke through to the first team, made his league debut against Fulham in the second division and was on the bench for the final six games of the season.
But Brighton almost collapsed that summer under accumulated debts. The stadium was sold and every professional who was not in the first X1 was released.
Coughlan hot-footed it back to Cork and, looking back, has few regrets: "I love the job I have at the airport. It is a difficult job to get into and I enjoy it. While a full time job playing football sounds perfect, you can't have everything you want in this world. I know it's a hectic schedule, but I'll keep doing it while I'm enjoying it."
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