Market report: Independent News and Media was the main talking point in the Dublin market after providing an upbeat statement about its prospects for 2005.
In a trading statement the group said it expects to report revenue growth of more than 7.5 per cent and reiterated its forecast for doublt-digit earnings growth.
Dealers said the shares were in good demand throughout the session but failed to make progress on the day.
Independent News and Media shares ended at €2.40, down 8 cent despite the positive sentiment.
McInerney was a star performer benefitting from a signalled strong performance in the UK construction sector. The shares gained 15 cent to end at €10.90.
Grafton also gained as a result of strength in the sector with its shares adding 17 cent to close at €8.90.
Fyffes, which suffered on Wednesday after losing its insider trading case against DCC, moved into positive territory with the shares rising by one cent to €2.30.
DCC meanwhile, lost 20 cent slipping back to €17.50, having risen by almost 7 per cent in the wake of its High Court victory.
The banks ended the day with mixed results.
AIB ended 30 cent weaker at €17.65 while Bank of Ireland lost 2 cent to close at €13.28.
Anglo Irish Bank faired much better with the shares adding 12 cent to €12.34 on optimism about its prospects next year.
Irish Life and Permanent added 2 cent to €16.40 and FBD added 25 cent to €37.45.
Ryanair continued to rise with the stock ending at €8.10, 2 cent higher as it continues to strengthen on the back of the announcement of its new routes out of Dublin.
Among the other stocks traded, Elan strengthened to €10.91, ending 4 cent higher in Dublin.
CRH lost ground, drifting back to €24.36, down 6 cent.
C&C was 7 cent weaker at €5.36.
Settlement day: December 29th
