(Pat McCullough June 09 Celtic Connection)Adding color to Coloradoans lives has been Andrew Toole”s job for almost 15 years.After arriving in America he made his way to Colorado, “I had heard that it was a good environment to live and start a business…At that time, in pre-“Celtic Tiger” Ireland a lot of business prospects were poor.” With a strong work ethic acquired growing up on his families” farm in County Meath, along with a variety of skills that included painting, he founded Denver based painting company, Ireland”s Finest, Inc. in 1995. In time the company became a member of The Painting & Decorating Contractors of America, and earned a Gold Star as member of the Better Business Bureau. “Our reputation has been built on high quality performance and customer satisfaction… we pride ourselves on competitive rates, but at the end of the day it”s all about doing the best job.”A few years back, Andrew came across another business opportunity and in March of 2005 he and business partner Donnie Danesh opened Scruffy Murphy”s (2030 Larimer St) in the Ballpark Neighborhood in Downtown Denver. “It was just another business- it was why not give it a whirl,” explaining his new adventure, “Besides, it”s every Irishmen”s dream to open an Irish Pub in America ,” he added with a wink and a smile. Though Andrew would be first to say that it was a fun project he will also tell you how much hard work that is put into a successful pub. “People might come in and see ya having a pint and a laugh and think that you are on Easy Street, when really they don”t have a clue on how much work and time that you put into a place.” Much of the work and time at Scruffy”s has been taken on by friend (and sometimes fellow teammate on the Denver Gaels hurling team) John Elliott, who recently took over majority ownership. “John is a good spud – he has been doing good work- even managed to get Flogging Molly to do a late night concert at the pub!”Meanwhile, rolling stones gather no moss – Andrew and Donnie opened Ned Kelly”s at 5686 S Sycamore St, in downtown Littleton, a block or so from the new RTD light rail. They took over a historic space which was previously the “Oasis” Bar. It was a small neighborhood gathering spot just off Main Street. That was part of the appeal. “The idea of a small neighborhood pub is what I”m after, like something that you would find in a town or village in Ireland…we added a patio, fireplace, and an authentic Irish feel, so it is still a cozy place.” And the neighborhood supports the new offering, “We are delighted to see the local support and the return of many patrons of the Oasis…They have been here longer than us, and in many ways this pub is as much theirs as ours…we”re just happy to add a little color to their day” Ireland”s Finest 303-512-8777 www.irelandsfinestinc.com [email protected]Scruffy Murphy”s, Denver 303-291-6992 Ned Kelly”s, Littleton 720-283-8717