a Bhriain,
Since there is no mention of any hiring practices in "an Spealadóir" might it not be possible that what is being hinted at is the Reaper's legendary sexual prowess? It takes but little imagination to read btween the lines. I offer this as a very possible alternative to "hiring"
Also, the same prowess in Cupid's arena was frequently believed to belong to the Ploughman - again for very obvious reasons.
Annraoi
P.S. There is an Irish idiom "ag déanamh fómhair" = making love. Literally "making the harvest." The connection seems an obvious one to me.