Several directors and senior managers of Bank of Ireland increased their shareholding in the bank in last week’s €1.9 billion rights issue of new shares, according to a statement to the stock exchange.

Former director Des Crowley acquired the most, buying 1.183 million shares, bringing his holding to 1.515 million shares.

Governor Pat Molloy bought 700,000 shares, bringing his interest to 2.79 million shares.

The bank also notified the stock market last week that chief executive Richie Boucher purchased 297,000 new shares in the issue.