Tipperary entrepreneur Pat Ryan, founder of Ryans Cleaning, has received the President’s Award at the County Tipperary Chamber Business Awards 2026.
The award, sponsored by Bulmers, was presented at Hotel Minella, Clonmel, on Friday, 25 September.
Together with his wife, Philomena, Pat built Ryans Cleaning from a small Tipperary operation into a successful family business providing specialist cleaning and waste-management services for major festivals, race meetings, sporting occasions and venues across Ireland and the UK.
The company has built its reputation in one of the most demanding areas of the events industry, often working behind the scenes at venues and events visited by millions of people each year.
Presenting the award, County Tipperary Chamber President John O’Shaughnessy said:
“Pat Ryan saw an opportunity where others saw only a difficult job to be done.
“He built a successful business by delivering when it mattered, earning the trust of major clients and building a team capable of working in some of the most demanding environments imaginable.
“Pat’s belief that ‘you are only as good as your last gig’ captures the standards, humility and work ethic that have defined his career.”
Michelle Aylward, Chief Executive of County Tipperary Chamber, said:
“Pat and Philomena’s story is one of enterprise, resilience and family. They built their business from the ground up and created a Tipperary company trusted at some of the largest events in Ireland and the UK.
“Just as importantly, they have built a business whose knowledge, values and leadership are now being carried forward by the next generation.”
Accepting the award, Pat Ryan said:
“I have always believed that you are only as good as your last gig. Every event is different, but the responsibility is always the same: arrive prepared, look after your people and deliver what you promised.
“This award belongs to Philomena, our family and the entire Ryans Cleaning team. Whatever success we have enjoyed has been built by people prepared to work hard, often behind the scenes, to get the job done.”
The President’s Award is one of County Tipperary Chamber’s highest honours and recognises an individual whose achievements and leadership have made a lasting contribution to enterprise and the wider Tipperary community.
More than 400 guests attended the County Tipperary Chamber Business Awards at Hotel Minella, with the evening hosted by Tipp FM’s Fran Curry.
Author: Beth Hancock
Beth Hancock is a Media and Events Sales Consultant at Event Industry News where she helps event industry brands amplify their presence through targeted advertising, marketing, and media opportunities. Passionate about connecting suppliers, venues, and innovators with organisers and decision-makers across the global events sector
