On his return to Ireland Ryan joined the De La Salle club, while he also lined out at senior level with the Waterford county football team.
[1] While still a player at club and inter-county levels, Ryan became involved in team management.
The following year he was appointed trainer of the Clongeen football team in Wexford and helped them claim the county title.
[2] Ryan was appointed manager of the Wexford senior football team in November 2007.
Ryan joined the Kildare GAA Senior Football panel as a coach in December 2012.