Gary Howlett (born 2 April 1963) is a former Irish international footballer and member of Brighton & Hove Albion's 1983 FA Cup final team. Dubliner Howlett joined Brighton in the early 1980s from Coventry City. Before that he played for Home Farm. The highlight of his Brighton career came in the 1983 final against Manchester United, where he crossed for Gordon Smith to head the first goal in a match that ended 2–2. Manchester United won the replay 4–0.
He won one cap for the Republic of Ireland, against China in 1984. Howlett, whose playing career was hampered by injuries, later joined Bournemouth (1984–88) and York City (1988–91), and played on loan for Aldershot (1987) and Chester City (1987–88).
Also scored once in four appearances for the Republic of Ireland U21 scoring once.
He later returned to Ireland to play for Shelbourne, making his League of Ireland debut on 1 March 1991. He later had a spell on the coaching staff with Bohemian FC under Stephen Kenny and Gareth Farrelly and was caretaker manager of the club between Kenny's departure and Farrelly's arrival. He later played in the Irish League for Crusaders.
Howlett currently manages Drumcondra F.C. in the Leinster Senior League.
Honours