“It all started by accident…” – The Story of Kells Cleaning Services.
This week, we visit with Seamus Ryan of Kells Cleaning Services, who celebrated their 10th anniversary yesterday!
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Can you take us back to the very beginning — how did Kells Cleaning Services come to life?
Kells Cleaning Services didn’t start with a grand plan — it started with a simple question from a local doctor:
“I need to clean my house but I simply don’t have the time… I don’t suppose you know anyone who’d do it for me?”
As it happened, I did.
That one request set off a chain reaction. Within a week, a stranger called me and asked, “I believe you have a cleaner?” That cleaner quickly found herself with a full 40-hour week. A few days later, another call came in: “Are you hiring?”
And just like that — without fuss or fanfare — Kells Cleaning Services was born.
“The moment I knew it was working”
In those early days, the phone never stopped ringing. The buzz was fantastic as I’d been out of work for a while after the recession in 2008 and the birth of my son in 2010.
“I’d have to charge my phone at least twice a day — between calls, messages, and emails, it was constant.”
That buzz was more than noise — it was proof that something real and viable was taking shape.
“That’s when I knew: yes, this is working.”
The hours were long but I could see the potential early on so even though it was hard work, it was extremely enjoyable.
It feels a bit surreal…
– Marking 10 Years in Business
Ten years is a big deal! How does it feel to reach this milestone?
Reaching a ten-year milestone brings a mix of emotions.
“It’s a bit surreal, to be honest,” Seamus says. “In some ways, it feels like only yesterday — and in others, like I’ve been doing this all my life.”
What’s clear, though, is that this anniversary isn’t just about one person but the team effort.
“We certainly wouldn’t have made it to ten years without our amazing staff, and our loyal customers — many of whom have been with us from the very beginning. And of course, my wife Gillian and our son Donnacha… both of whom have literally ‘put the gloves on’ when needed!”
“Where have they all gone?” – Changing Times in the Industry
A lot can change in ten years, but one of the biggest shifts for Kells Cleaning Services has been in staffing.
“In the early days, I’d get two or three calls a week from people looking for work. Now? We’ve been actively recruiting for months, and it’s tough going.”
Like many industries, we are feeling the effects of a labour shortage — not just finding staff, but finding the right people.
“Good, reliable staff are gold — and we’re wondering… where have they all gone?”
What has stayed the same, no matter what?
While plenty has shifted over the past decade, some things remain rock solid.
“The demand for our services is as strong as ever,” Seamus explains
“Premises will always need to be cleaned — that will never change, I guess.”
“It’s not about being posh – it’s about being practical – and we get it because we live it too..
“People sometimes think that only the well-off or the ‘too posh to clean’ crowd hire cleaners. But in reality, most of our customers are just regular, hardworking people with full, busy lives.”
Between work, school runs, and after-school activities, time is precious, and many simply choose to spend their free hours with family, not a mop and bucket.
“We’re a family-run business, and our own house is a busy one — so we genuinely understand the value of having a cleaner. We know what it feels like to need that extra help, and we relate to our customers because we’re just like them.”
Some could carve out time on the weekends to clean — but they’d rather give that time to their kids, their partner, or just a moment to breathe. And we think that’s completely fair.
“That smile when they walk in the door…”
What makes all the effort worthwhile?
“It’s the smile on the face of a customer coming home to a clean house or stepping into a fresh office. Knowing that my business helped create that moment — that sense of relief and calm — makes me proud.”
“More like a small hotel!” – A Favourite Memory
With ten years behind them, there’ve been plenty of memorable jobs — but one in particular stands out.
“In 2018, we had eight staff and myself on a new build — a 7,500 sq ft house that felt more like a small hotel. We were there for a full week. The craic was mighty!”
It wasn’t just the scale of the job — it was the atmosphere, the teamwork, and the sense of purpose.
“It felt amazing handing back the keys that evening, knowing the family was moving into their forever home. There was a real buzz of pride in the air.”
“I owe a lot to Kells” – The Role of Community
Being rooted in Kells has been more than just a business decision — it’s been a foundation.
“Kells is a great community and it’s given us some amazing staff over the past ten years. I owe a lot to Kells.”
It’s clear that for Kells Cleaning Services, the connection with the town runs deep — and that loyalty and local pride have shaped the business every step of the way.
“More than a team — a cleaning family”
When asked what the team means to him, the answer comes easily:
“They’re like family at this stage. Without them, Kells Cleaning Services would just be me and a window squeegee!”
The heart of the business lies in its people —
“Challenges on the journey — but never giving up”
Every business faces hurdles, and for Kells Cleaning Services, the biggest challenge right now is the labour shortage.
“It’s an issue across industries, probably because so many people have left Ireland for Australia, Canada, and Europe over the past decade.”
On top of that, rising costs—insurance, wages, general expenses—make the job tougher.
But despite the pressure, giving up is never on the table.
“I love what I do, and it has given me and my family a good life.”
That passion and resilience keep the wheels turning, year after year.
“No typical day — but here’s a taste”
Being self-employed means the days don’t always follow a set pattern — but here’s what a usual one looks like:
“I start early — these days around 6:30 am (though it used to be 5 am in the early days).
First, I make sure all the jobs scheduled are in order. Then comes the school run at 8:15 am — a part of the day I really enjoy.”
After a quick breakfast with the Mrs, it’s out the door for window cleaning.
“I take all enquiries myself while cleaning the windows — it breaks the day up nicely.”
There’s another school run at 3:30 pm, then evenings are often spent coaching hurling with the local GAA club.
“I usually wrap up with a couple of hours of admin and diary work before heading to bed around 11 pm, if not earlier.”
For me sports is a way to switch off and recharge.I used play a lot of sport in my teens and 20s before injuries got a hold of me, now I love to watch hurling, athletes and Rugby and coach a few local hurling teams.
My family, they are my world and my motivation and keep me going through the hard times.
“Looking ahead — more of the same good stuff”
When it comes to the next ten years, the hope is simple but powerful:
“Just more of the same — providing local jobs, keeping customers smiling, and putting bread on the table.”
No flashy plans, just steady, reliable service that continues to make a difference in the community.
“Dreams, goals, and the marathon that got away”
Asked about a dream job or big goal, the answer is refreshingly down-to-earth:
“I always dreamed of running a marathon — managed to complete two — but these days, 200 meters feels like a stretch! Ha ha.”
For now, he’s happy with where life is, maybe hoping for a bit more travel, but nothing too drastic.
Just for Fun — Tea or Coffee?
Asked what fuels a long day, the answer might surprise you:
“I could go months without tea or coffee. Cold water is my go-to, with the occasional pint of plain!”
Favourite Cleaning Essential
When it comes to cleaning, it’s not about fancy products — “Microfiber cloths are an absolute must!”
If Kells Cleaning Services Had a Theme Song
When asked about a theme tune, the answer comes with a chuckle:
“Oh God… that’s a good one… maybe Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ — which also happens to be our wedding first dance song!”
A perfect anthem for a business that’s been going strong for ten years, full of energy and heart.
Comments
That is a fantastic achievement, and just shows what teamwork does. You and your family make a great team Seamus. Well done.