As a dual player for club and county, he played in several positions including as a defensive centre-back, in midfield, or as a target man in attack.
[2] Ryan began his club career at underage level with St Finbarr's, winning minor and under-21 championships across both codes.
[3] After an unsuccessful minor and under-21 career at inter-county level, Ryan joined the Cork senior football team in advance of the 1977-78 league.
During a decade-long association with the team he served as captain on two occasions, a position he held for Cork's National League success in 1980 and their Munster Championship victory in 1983.
Ryan, who also won a National League title with the Cork senior hurling team, ended his career with an All-Ireland final defeat by Meath in 1987.