After graduating from University College Cork, Cummins returned to the Blackrock team where he became the first-choice full-forward in 1971. After success in the early rounds the Rockies eventually qualified for their first county final in eight years. St. Finbarr's were the opponents and took a strong 2-0 to 0-2 lead after just eight minutes. A torrential downpour before the game made conditions very difficult and tempers boiled over with Simon Murphy and Charlie Cullinane being sent to the line. Blackrock fought back and a Cummins goal in the 24th minute helped to level matters at the interval. Charlie McCarthy completed his hat-trick to give St. Finbarr's the lead early in the second half, however, Blackrock had a younger and fitter side. Cummins added a second goal in the second half as the Rockies secured a 2-19 to 5-4 victory. It was his second championship medal. After missing Blackrock's subsequent defeat of Moyne-Templetuohy in the provincial decider, Cummins was back on the starting fifteen for the All-Ireland final meeting with rathnure on 14 May 1972. The Leinster champions were in arrears by twelve points at one stage, however, they launched a stunning comeback to cut the deficit down to one point. Blackrock stubbornly held on to secure a 5-13 to 6-9 victory, with Cummins winning his first All-Ireland medal.