Dublin Reoprt:THE IRISH market closed the day in positive territory despite most other European markets falling for the first time in five days, as some earnings forecasts disappointed investors and lower metal prices weighed on mining shares.

The Iseq ended stronger, at 6,314.32, although volumes were still pretty light across the board.

Anglo Irish Bank was one of the few stocks to stand its ground in terms of volume, with around 4.7 million shares changing hands. The stock had a volatile day trading as low as €8.60 at one stage, before eventually settling at €8.90, up 22 cents or 2.4 per cent on the day.

Despite the rise in oil prices, Ryanair was also well supported. The airline saw nearly 4.8 million shares traded as it surged ahead by 2.7 per cent to €2.85. IAWS, which has benefited from a recent strong run also enjoyed a good day as it tacked on 47 cents to €16.22 on some strong overseas interest.

Greencore, which saw some decent volumes, was 2 per cent stronger at €3.82 on the back of confirmation that Icelandic prepared foods company Bakkavor has has built up a 10.9 per cent stake.

Elsewhere, FBD was the big loser on the day as the market reacted to news that Eureko had withdrawn its approach for the company and a more negative than expected statement at its annual general meeting. The shares slumped by around 8.6 per cent, or €2.62, to €27.88, although volumes were relatively light.

The other financials were also under pressure, with AIB five cents weaker at €13.60, while Bank of Ireland lost 10 cents to €17.90.

Strong results from Dublin-based clinical research group Icon, which reported a 46 per cent rise in operating income to $21.5 million for the first quarter of 2008, saw it surge ahead as it added on €1.95 to €43.