Dublin report:The Irish market put in a strong performance yesterday, rising 1.3 per cent on decent volumes.

However, the performance was not enough to wipe out the weakness of previous days, and the Iseq ended down on the week.

Several of the index's leading members put in strong performances though, with CRHadding 1.9 per cent, or 56 cents, to close at €30.65 on more than 3.1 million trades.

Dealers said there was no specific news to push that stock higher, but that it was in line with general market sentiment.

Elsewhere, Irish Life & Permanentwas in focus amid speculation that German insurer Allianz may look to buy back Irish Life's 30 per cent stake in its Irish business.

The stakeholding is forecast to have made about €50 million for Irish Life last year.

The shares rose almost 5 per cent, to €22, before falling back to close up 38 cents, at €21.38. More than 2.6 million units changed hands.

The other financials were a mixed bag, with Bank of Irelandand AIBgaining 22 cents and 23 cents to close at €17.35 and €22.35 respectively. Meanwhile, Angloslipped 2 cents, to close at €15.91.

Another stock in focus was Paddy Power, though volume was light.

The shares added 50 cents, or 3.2 per cent, to end the day at €16.40, a move dealers said could probably be attributed to increased interest in the sector following rumours of a deal between Dermot Desmond and British bookmaker Ladbrokes.

Elsewhere, dealers reported decent interest in Graftonamid expectation that British rival Wolseley will release a positive trading update on Monday. Its shares closed up 9 cents, at €12.15.

Relative newcomer Siteservhad another good day, rising 5 cents, or 4.5 per cent, to close at €1.23.