At club level he played with Toomevara and was also a member of the Tipperary senior hurling team.
Ryan first played hurling at juvenile and underage levels with the Toomevara club.
Ryan never played at minor or under-21 levels with Tipperary, however, he joined the senior team during the 1969-70 National League.
Ryan won a Tipperary SHC in 1980 and served as team captain in his final season in 1981.
Ryan became involved in coaching and team management immediately after his retirement from playing.