Market Report: It was a big day for the banks in Dublin yesterday, with the two main financials rumoured to be behind much of the trade.

AIB was the busiest of the two, with 7.6 million shares traded as the company made its last buyback move before entering a closed period. AIB also confirmed that it had been in the market on Friday. The stock ended 22 cents lower at 13.09.

Bank of Ireland, which also confirmed the purchase of shares on Friday, was six cents stronger at 10.55 as almost six million shares were traded.

In other financials, Anglo Irish Bank shed five cents to close at 7.70, while Irish Life & Permanent came under more pressure, finishing 16 cents lower at 9.40. Dealers said investors saw little reason for the slide of recent weeks to be stemmed.

Elsewhere, the biggest news on the market came from trading statements. CRH was first out with a mixed update that both concerned and reassured observers. The company ended 40 cents higher at 4.50 as investors concluded that much of the bad news in the statement had already been known.

The second update came from Independent News & Media, which also ended positively, gaining five cents to close at €1.58.

Among smaller stocks, Elan had a positive day, closing up 40 cents at 4.50, despite continued concerns over the company's accounts.

Fellow drugmaker Galen struggled by association, eventually closing 19 cents lower at €7.47.

Ryanair was 17 cents stronger at 6.27 as almost four million shares were traded.

Waterford Wedgwood also attracted significant attention, but ended one cent lower at 24 cents. Dealers said most of the trade had come at 26 cents.