Share prices in Dublin were hit by international weakness and sank further than many other European markets on the day.

IAWS provided the news with the Irish Agricultural Wholesale Society selling 8 million shares to the company as it reduced its shareholding from 17 per cent to 11 per cent.

The sale had been expected and had been viewed as a depressing factor for the share price. IAWS shares ended unchanged at €10 in Dublin following the transaction.

The market had also been braced for some news on the US Security and Exchange Commission's investigation at Elan which was expected to be concluded by the end of the third quarter but failed to materialise. The shares were weaker in Dublin, shedding 20 cents to €18.90.

The banks were generally weaker broadly in line with their European peers although Bank of Ireland came under more selling pressure amid concerns about the bank's strategy, costs and exposure to the UK consumer finance market. The stock was also downgraded by some brokers.

Bank of Ireland's new chief executive, Mr Brian Goggin, and his team are meeting investors but failed to boost the share price while dealers reported one significant seller of the stock in Dublin. The shares closed at €10.85, down 35 cents with sources suggesting the bank will need some positive news to support any improvement in the share price.

AIB ended the day 10 cents lower at €13.50, Anglo Irish Bank was 30 cents lower at €14.75 while Irish Life & Permanent lost 5 cents to close at €13.

DCC performed well with the stock gaining 15 cents to €14.75. CRH ended 5 cents lower at €19.25.

Kingspan had another good run with the stock once again touch €6 before closing 6 cents better at €5.96. Ryanair shed 12 cents as concerns about lower yields and rising oil prices weighed on the stock. It closed at €4.02.

Settlement Day: October 5th