[2] He served in the House Republican Leadership as Policy Committee Chairman from 1971 to 1972.

[2] In 1995, the Republicans regained the majority and elected Ryan Speaker of the House, a position he held until his death in 2003.

[2][3] In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA named him to the list of "Smartest Legislators," calling him "quick and sharp with his Irish wit from the Speaker's rostrum" and a "man of true wisdom.

"[4] In a 2002 PoliticsPA Feature story designating politicians with yearbook superlatives, he was named the "Most Popular.

"[5] The Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania is named in his honor.