The ISEQ index of Irish shares traded up almost 2 per cent at 5,017.68 yesterday, reflecting general strength on overseas markets.

Eircom continued its tentative recovery from last week on the back of buoyant European telecom stocks following the confirmation of the sale of the British mobile phone operator, Orange, to France Telecom. Eircom added a further 12 cents to Monday's gains taking the stock to €3.25, some 28 cents above last week's record low of €2.97.

CRH had a good day adding 40 cents to finish at €19.30 in heavy trading. One analyst said this reflected renewed interest from UK buyers amid signs that the construction industry was picking up in Britain.

The financials had a mixed day with Bank of Ireland down eight cents at €6.72 while AIB added 13 cents to finish at €10.13. Irish Life and Permanent fell 11 cents to €8.61.

On the back of what analysts described as "fairly predictable" results, Greencore added three cents at €2.95. Kerry was up 15 cents at €13.90 following yesterdays a.g.m and Ryanair fell 25 cents to €9.

Barlo, which announced that it was changing its stock market classification to Construction and Building Materials Sector on the London Stock Exchange, finished up 1 cent at 80 cents in Dublin.

Elsewhere the Nasdaq continued its rally from last Friday afternoon after the holiday up over 4 per cent as the Irish market closed. Baltimore was up $2.20 at $13.87 1/2, Riverdeep was up $1.25 at $19.75 and Iona was up $2.25 at $43.62 1/2.