Liam Ryan (1936 – 27 May 2015) was an Irish priest, sociologist and hurler who played as a left wing-forward at senior level for the Limerick county team.
A victory over Western Gaels gave Ryan a county senior championship winners' medal.
[citation needed] Ryan first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Limerick minor hurling team in 1952.
After beating Waterford in the opening round of the provincial campaign, Limerick later went into the Munster final as underdogs against Clare.
Ryan's side looked set to retain their title, however, a hat-trick of goals by Christy Ring swung the result in Cork's favour and Limerick were beaten by 5-5 to 3-5.
His father, Willie Ryan, was a hurler with the great Limerick team of the 1918-1921 era and won two All-Ireland winners' medals.
In the 1980s Ryan pioneered Sociology as part of the Oscail distance learning BA degree with other Irish universities.
[10] A memorial night of appreciation was also held Maynooth later in the year, and a booklet was produced by the sociology department,[11] which had contributions and tributes from President Michael D. Higgins and from his colleagues and former students.