Former GAA president John Dowling died this afternoon at the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin. Dowling, 71, had a lifelong involvement in the GAA, first as a player with his native Tullamore and later as one of the country's top referees. He officiated at five senior All-Ireland finals, three in hurling and two in football.
As an administrator, Dowling served as Offaly County Secretary for more than 20 years before going on to become the first Offaly man to attain the top office in the Association.
As a result of his death, Offaly's NFL Division One match away to Cork and the Walsh Cup semi-final against Wexford in Birr have both been cancelled, as have all domestic games in the county.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
