By 1985 many of the iconic Dublin players from the previous decade had retired from inter-county duty. Mullins, however, was still patrolling the midfield area. He won a ninth Leinster winners' medal that year as Laois were defeated by 0–10 to 0–4 in the provincial decider. A ninth All-Ireland final appearance beckoned for Mullins, with Kerry providing the opposition for a second consecutive year. Jack O'Shea got Kerry on the way and scored a key penalty goal after just eleven minutes. By half-time Kerry had stormed into a nine-point lead. 'The Dubs' came storming back with full-forward Joe McNally scoring two goals. The gap could not be bridged, however, and Kerry won by 2–10 to 2–8. Following this game Mullins decided to retire from inter-county football.