ISEQ up at market close

The ISEQ index of Irish shares gained 43 points to 2,278.03 by market close.

It was a positive day for the financial heavyweights; AIB jumped 13c to 75c with Bank of Ireland up 11c to 42c and Irish Life and Permanent gaining 16c to €1.60.

Elsewhere, the positive trend continued within the food sector, Kerry Group soared 43c to €14.94, with Glanbia up a modest 4c to €2.65. Fyffes remained static at 24c per share.

Aer Lingus, however, was 17c lower at €1.18 per share, after the Government rejected Ryanair's offer to purchase the airline yesterday.