In 1980 Dublin set out to atone for developing a reputation as Kerry's whipping boys. A record seventh consecutive Leinster title looked likely, however, in June of that year tragedy struck. Mullins was driving out the Clontarf Road in Dublin when his Fiat 127 went out of control and collided with a lamp post. The midfielder was lucky to escape with his life, however, it now looked as if the injuries which he sustained would signal the end of his football career. Nothing could be further from Mullins's mind. He completed his studies in the United States while he recovered, a miraculous recovery which saw him return to the Dublin team.