P. J. Ryan Gaelic games player
Patrick James "P. J." Ryan (born 15 June 1977) is an Irish hurler who played as a goalkeeper for the Kilkenny senior team.Born in Johnstown, County Kilkenny, Ryan first excelled at hurling during his schooling at Coláiste Mhuire. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the Kilkenny minor team, before later joining the under-21 side. He joined the senior panel during the 1999 championship. Ryan later became a regular member of the starting fifteen, and won three All-Ireland medals, four Leinster medals and two National League medals on the field of play. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion.As a member of the Leinster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, Ryan won two Railway Cup medals. At club level Ryan continues to play with Fenians.Ryan's father, also P. J. Ryan, won three All-Ireland medals as reserve goalkeeper to Noel Skehan between 1974 and 1979.Throughout his career Ryan made 18 championship appearances. He announced his retirement from inter-county hurling on 18 January 2012.