Irish shares gained more than 1 per cent yesterday, helped by a strong performance in other European markets as they briefly shrugged off the weight of war worries.
The ISEQ gained 41 points, or 1.07 per cent, although volumes remained relatively light with most of the activity confined to the leading stocks.
CRH was the strongest performer on the day, building on Monday's 25 cent gain to add a further 30 cents to close at €11.75.
"It had been oversold at €11.50," one dealer said.
Ryanair also had a good day, adding 16 cents to €6.59.
Banking stocks benefited from a good performance by the sector in Europe with AIB closing 10 cents higher at €12.00 while Bank of Ireland was up by seven cents to €9.57.
Anglo Irish added seven cents to €6.35 while Irish Life & Permanent was up a more modest three cents to €10.13.
In the pharmaceutical sector, Galen gained 15 cents to €5.95 after reporting better-than-expected first quarter results while Elan also gained ground, adding 11 cents to €3.70.
Dealers reported good two-way trade in Independent News & Media where around 2.5 million shares changed hands although the stock closed just two cents higher at €1.42.
Among secondliners, McInerney shares lost eight cents to €2.22 after the company said Merrill Lynch, which previously held 5.82 per cent of the construction group, no longer held a stake in the company.
Alphyra gained eight cents to €2.68 as the market waited to see the outcome of the management buyout offer for the company.
Settlement Date: February 14th.
