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The market moved ahead yesterday, led by strong performances from CRH and AIB.

The bank gained 30 cents, or nearly 2.4 per cent, to €12.95 as it completed the sale of its troubled US subsidiary, Allfirst, to US-based M&T. Dealers said the closure of the sale was seen as the catalyst for the start of the bank's share buyback programme, which is expected to take place over the coming weeks.