Rising demand for Baileys, Rockshore lager and its chief spirits brands drove a 3% increase in annual net sales at global drinks giant Diageo's Irish division.

Drinks company Diageo which owns Guinness, Smirnoff and Baileys has said sales in the first half of its financial year in Ireland were flat but that its overall performance globally produced better-than-expected results.

Guinness enjoyed a strong second half to 2015, with year-on-year sales growth of 5% being noted in Ireland and the iconic stout’s global sales jumping by 9%.