Shares boost for third day running

SHARES in Dublin rose for a third consecutive day, mirroring increases made across European Bourses. The ISEQ, led by Elan and AIB, closed 20.73 points higher at 6111.54.

Allied Irish Bank saw over 2.26 million shares traded, following Thursday’s pre-close trading statement, and gained 13c to finish at €14.85. Bank of Ireland slipped back 13c to €11.65, while Anglo Irish Bank fell to €17.58.

Pharmaceutical stock Elan continued to gain, and surged 90c to €21.15. In construction, CRH added 5c to €19.40 while Kingspan nudged ahead to €6.78. Among the food stocks, Kerry Group dropped 20c to €18.30, while Glanbia firmed a cent to €2.75.

Elsewhere, Eircom slipped to €1.66, after Comreg announced proposals to bring greater competition into the Irish mobile market.

Ryanair lost 2c to €5.28, while C&C closed lighter at €2.90.