A return to hurling in 1972 saw Cummins win his first National Hurling League title following a narrow win over Limerick. The success continued later that year as Cork trounced Clare by 6–18 to 2–8, giving Cummins a third Munster winners' medal. Cummins later lined out in a third All-Ireland final in four years, with Kilkenny providing the opposition for a second time. In one of the classic All-Ireland finals, he scored two goals in that game to put Cork in the driving seat. With time running out Kilkenny were eight points in arrears, however, one of the most amazing reversals of fortune took place. 'The Cats' fought back and finished seven points ahead on a score line of 3–24 to 5–11. It was a bitter All-Ireland defeat for Cummins, his second at the hands of Kilkenny.