John Dowling (1930-2002), Offaly, was the twenty-ninth president of the GAA (1988-1991).

Although he played for his local team in Tullamore, he was best known as a referee prior to his presidency. As referee, he officiated five All-Ireland finals, including both hurling and football All-Ireland Senior Finals in 1960.^[1]

His presidency will be best remembered for purchasing the strip of land beside the old stadium at Croke Park, which had been sold by Frank Dineen to pay for development work, to enable the renovation of the stadium.

In 1988, the Offaly Association, Dublin, selected him as the inaugural “Offaly Person of the Year” award winner.^[2]