STRONG demand for CRH shares in particular pushed the Dublin market ahead in after hours trading, after it had closed on an all time high. CRH jumped 6p to a new high of 600p in an after hours deal after a solid day's trading where more than a million shares traded in London alone.

Smurfit also traded busily without the price going anywhere and more than 2.4 million shares dealt in London. In Dublin, Smurfit shares were 2p higher on 174p after JS Corp moved marginally firmer overnight in New York.

Elsewhere, the industrials were mixed with Independent taking a sudden after hours dive, closing down 18p on 510p. Barlo was 3p firmer on 38p ahead of Friday's preliminary figures, with some in the market taking the view that the share is probably on the way back. James Crean gained 3p to 245p, Greeacore gained 3p to 305p and IAWS added 2p for a new high of 162p.

Among other food stocks, Kerry remained well bid but was unchanged on 625p, Avonmore drifted back 2 1/2p to 150p after its recent rally and Golden Vale was unchanged on 65p as the market waited for news of its plans for milk prices.

DCC was unchanged on 260p as chief executive Mr Jim Flavin exercised a clutch of options at 100p each. Rarely traded New Ireland jumped 50p to 750p while Waterford Wedgwood was unchanged but drawing bids at 76p.

Bank shares were marginally firmer with AIB up a penny to 340p and Bank of Ireland up 2p to 452p.