John Dowling (18 November 1931 – 9 February 2002) was an Irish sports administrator who served as the 29th president of the Gaelic Athletic Association (1988–1991). He was born in Tullamore, County Offaly, and became the first Offaly man to hold that office. Also a prominent referee, Dowling refereed five All-Ireland finals, including both hurling and football All-Ireland Senior Finals in 1960. From 1981 to 1983 he served as chairman of GAA's Leinster Council. He was part of the team to have founded the original Tullamore Harriers Club.