P. J. Ryan
Encyclopedia
Patrick James "P. J." Ryan (born 15 June 1977 in Johnstown
, County Kilkenny
, Ireland
) is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays hurling
with his local club Fenians and has been a member of the Kilkenny
senior inter-county team since 1999.
and has enjoyed some success. He first came to prominence at under-age levels where he secured his first winners' medals. After winning county minor 'B' championship and county under-21 'B' championship titles, Ryan subsequently joined the club's senior team. He has appeared in two county finals, however, the club has not won a county title since 1977, the year of Ryan’s birth.
minor hurling team. He lined out in the provincial decider in that grade in 1995, with Offaly
providing the opposition. 'The Cats' were far too strong on that occasion and a 4-16 to 2-6 trouncing gave Ryan a Leinster
title in the minor grade. Kilkenny later qualified for an All-Ireland final showdown with Cork. The game was an exciting affair with the result remaining in doubt until the final whistle. In the end, a 2-10 to 1-12 defeat was Ryan's lot.
Ryan subsequently joined the Kilkenny under-21 hurling team. After a two-year period in the wilderness 'the Cats' contested the provincial decider in 1998. Dublin
were the opponents, however, Kilkenny had just enough. Ryan kept a clean sheet as he picked up a Leimster
under-21 winners' medal after a 2-10 to 0-12 victory. The All-Ireland series was not a happy hunting ground. Kilkenny were beaten in the semi-final by Galway
.
. That year he shared in the county’s Leinster and All-Ireland victories from the subs bench. Ryan, however, was a regular for ‘the Cats’ in the National Hurling League
and secured a winners' medal in this competition in 2003. Later that year, he made his championship debut against Dublin
, however, McGarry took over goalkeeping duties for the latter stages of the competition. Once again, he shared in Kilkenny’s Leinster and All-Ireland victories as a substitute. In 2005 and 2006, Kilkenny triumphed in Leinster again, however, Ryan still failed to dislodge McGarry as the first-choice goalkeeper. He was still a substitute when Kilkenny defeated Cork in the 2006 championship decider.
In 2007 Ryan finally took over from McGarry in the number one spot. That year he won his first Leinster
title on the field of play following a defeat of Wexford
, however, in the All-Ireland semi-final against Wexford
he broke a bone in his arm and it looked as if he would miss out on his big chance of appearing in an All-Ireland final. Ryan made a miraculous recovery just in time for the final where, surprisingly, Limerick
provided the opposition. Kilkenny got off to a flying start with Eddie Brennan
and Henry Shefflin
scoring two goals within the first ten minutes. Unfortunately, inspirational forward Shefflin sustained an injury during the game and had to retire at half-time. In spite of losing their captain and star player, and in spite of Ryan conceding a goal, Kilkenny still went on to win the game by 2-19 to 1-15. It was Ryan's first All-Ireland
medal on the field of play.
2008 saw Kilkenny launch an all-out attack in an attempt to capture a third All-Ireland title in-a-row. The team had an easy passage through the Leinster Championship, however, the opening half of the provincial final against Wexford gave ‘the Cats’ another minor scare. In the end Ryan collected his second Leinster medal after a 5-21 to 0-17 victory. This victory allowed Kilkenny to advance directly to the All-Ireland semi-final where arch-rivals Cork were the opponents. The game was an interesting encounter; however, Kilkenny claimed a 1-23 to 0-17 victory. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Kilkenny take on Waterford
. It was their first meeting in the championship decider since 1963. A classic game of hurling was expected by many, however, Kilkenny started stronger. Two goals by Eddie Brennan after twenty minutes effectively killed the game, however, ‘the Cats’ ploughed on and recorded an enormous 3-30 to 1-13 victory over their near neighbours. Ryan, after giving an excellent performance in goal all season, was withdrawn after fifty minutes to make way for the former goalkeeper James McGarry.
At the start of 2009 Kilkenny proved that they were still the masters of hurling by cruising into the final of the National League. Tipperary
provided the opposition and attacked and harassed 'the Cats' from the throw-in. The Munster men stormed into a decisive lead as they took the game by the scruff of the neck; however, ‘the Cats’ clawed their way back into the game. At the end of normal time both sides were level. A period of extra-time followed, however, in spite of a 2-26 to 4-17 defeat, Tipp were widely lauded for their performance. Ryan conceded four goals in that game, however, he picked up his second National League winners' medal on the field of play. The subsequent championship campaign went to plan, with Kilkenny reaching yet another provincial final. Dublin, the new kids on the block were the opponents, and another tets of Kilkenny took place. Ryan kept a clean-sheet once again and a 2-18 to 0-18 victory gave him a third consecutive Leinster winners' medal. An exciting semi-final victory over Waterford allowed KIlkenny to advance to a fourth consecutive All-Ireland final. That game was a replay of the National League final, with Tipperary providing the opposition. For much of the match it looked as if Tipp would pull off a shock and deny 'the Cats' a record-equaling four-in-a-row. Ryan gave a remarkable display of his often under-appreciated goalkeeping skills and denied Tipperary four goal chances. The game was characterised by tit-for-tat scores, however, two quick goals in the space of a minute sealed a 2-22 to 0-23 victory. With that Kilkenny became the second team to capture four All-Ireland titles in-a-row in hurling. It was Ryan's third All-Ireland winners' medal on the field of play. He was later named Man of the Match
and picked up his first All-Star
award.
Johnstown, County Kilkenny
Johnstown , historically known as Coorthafooka , is a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Bypassed in December 2008 by the M8, the town lies at the junction of the R639, the R502 and the R435 regional roads. It is the home of the Fenians GAA hurling club...
, County Kilkenny
County Kilkenny
County Kilkenny is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the city of Kilkenny. The territory of the county was the core part of the ancient Irish Kingdom of Osraige which in turn was the core of the Diocese of...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
) is an Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Fenians and has been a member of the Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
senior inter-county team since 1999.
Club
Ryan plays his club hurling with his local Fenians club in JohnstownJohnstown, County Kilkenny
Johnstown , historically known as Coorthafooka , is a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Bypassed in December 2008 by the M8, the town lies at the junction of the R639, the R502 and the R435 regional roads. It is the home of the Fenians GAA hurling club...
and has enjoyed some success. He first came to prominence at under-age levels where he secured his first winners' medals. After winning county minor 'B' championship and county under-21 'B' championship titles, Ryan subsequently joined the club's senior team. He has appeared in two county finals, however, the club has not won a county title since 1977, the year of Ryan’s birth.
Minor and under-21
Ryan first came to prominence on the inter-county scene in the mid-1990s as a member of the KilkennyKilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
minor hurling team. He lined out in the provincial decider in that grade in 1995, with Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
providing the opposition. 'The Cats' were far too strong on that occasion and a 4-16 to 2-6 trouncing gave Ryan a Leinster
Leinster Minor Hurling Championship
The ESB Leinster Minor Hurling Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council...
title in the minor grade. Kilkenny later qualified for an All-Ireland final showdown with Cork. The game was an exciting affair with the result remaining in doubt until the final whistle. In the end, a 2-10 to 1-12 defeat was Ryan's lot.
Ryan subsequently joined the Kilkenny under-21 hurling team. After a two-year period in the wilderness 'the Cats' contested the provincial decider in 1998. Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
were the opponents, however, Kilkenny had just enough. Ryan kept a clean sheet as he picked up a Leimster
Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship
For the Senior equivalent see: Leinster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Leinster U-21 Hurling Championship or for sponsorship reasons the Erin Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship is an U-21 hurling tournament. The first tournament took place in 1964 when Wexford were crowned champions. Wexford...
under-21 winners' medal after a 2-10 to 0-12 victory. The All-Ireland series was not a happy hunting ground. Kilkenny were beaten in the semi-final by Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
.
Senior
In 2002, Ryan joined the Kilkenny senior panel as substitute goalkeeper and understudy to James McGarryJames McGarry
James McGarry is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Bennettsbridge and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1999 to 2008.-Club:...
. That year he shared in the county’s Leinster and All-Ireland victories from the subs bench. Ryan, however, was a regular for ‘the Cats’ in the National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
and secured a winners' medal in this competition in 2003. Later that year, he made his championship debut against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
, however, McGarry took over goalkeeping duties for the latter stages of the competition. Once again, he shared in Kilkenny’s Leinster and All-Ireland victories as a substitute. In 2005 and 2006, Kilkenny triumphed in Leinster again, however, Ryan still failed to dislodge McGarry as the first-choice goalkeeper. He was still a substitute when Kilkenny defeated Cork in the 2006 championship decider.
In 2007 Ryan finally took over from McGarry in the number one spot. That year he won his first Leinster
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
The Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
title on the field of play following a defeat of Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
, however, in the All-Ireland semi-final against Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
he broke a bone in his arm and it looked as if he would miss out on his big chance of appearing in an All-Ireland final. Ryan made a miraculous recovery just in time for the final where, surprisingly, Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
provided the opposition. Kilkenny got off to a flying start with Eddie Brennan
Eddie Brennan
Eddie Brennan is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Graigue-Ballycallan and has been a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team since 2000.-Biography:...
and Henry Shefflin
Henry Shefflin
Henry Shefflin is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and has been a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team since 1999...
scoring two goals within the first ten minutes. Unfortunately, inspirational forward Shefflin sustained an injury during the game and had to retire at half-time. In spite of losing their captain and star player, and in spite of Ryan conceding a goal, Kilkenny still went on to win the game by 2-19 to 1-15. It was Ryan's first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal on the field of play.
2008 saw Kilkenny launch an all-out attack in an attempt to capture a third All-Ireland title in-a-row. The team had an easy passage through the Leinster Championship, however, the opening half of the provincial final against Wexford gave ‘the Cats’ another minor scare. In the end Ryan collected his second Leinster medal after a 5-21 to 0-17 victory. This victory allowed Kilkenny to advance directly to the All-Ireland semi-final where arch-rivals Cork were the opponents. The game was an interesting encounter; however, Kilkenny claimed a 1-23 to 0-17 victory. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Kilkenny take on Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
. It was their first meeting in the championship decider since 1963. A classic game of hurling was expected by many, however, Kilkenny started stronger. Two goals by Eddie Brennan after twenty minutes effectively killed the game, however, ‘the Cats’ ploughed on and recorded an enormous 3-30 to 1-13 victory over their near neighbours. Ryan, after giving an excellent performance in goal all season, was withdrawn after fifty minutes to make way for the former goalkeeper James McGarry.
At the start of 2009 Kilkenny proved that they were still the masters of hurling by cruising into the final of the National League. Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
provided the opposition and attacked and harassed 'the Cats' from the throw-in. The Munster men stormed into a decisive lead as they took the game by the scruff of the neck; however, ‘the Cats’ clawed their way back into the game. At the end of normal time both sides were level. A period of extra-time followed, however, in spite of a 2-26 to 4-17 defeat, Tipp were widely lauded for their performance. Ryan conceded four goals in that game, however, he picked up his second National League winners' medal on the field of play. The subsequent championship campaign went to plan, with Kilkenny reaching yet another provincial final. Dublin, the new kids on the block were the opponents, and another tets of Kilkenny took place. Ryan kept a clean-sheet once again and a 2-18 to 0-18 victory gave him a third consecutive Leinster winners' medal. An exciting semi-final victory over Waterford allowed KIlkenny to advance to a fourth consecutive All-Ireland final. That game was a replay of the National League final, with Tipperary providing the opposition. For much of the match it looked as if Tipp would pull off a shock and deny 'the Cats' a record-equaling four-in-a-row. Ryan gave a remarkable display of his often under-appreciated goalkeeping skills and denied Tipperary four goal chances. The game was characterised by tit-for-tat scores, however, two quick goals in the space of a minute sealed a 2-22 to 0-23 victory. With that Kilkenny became the second team to capture four All-Ireland titles in-a-row in hurling. It was Ryan's third All-Ireland winners' medal on the field of play. He was later named Man of the Match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
and picked up his first All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.