Bank of Ireland chief executive Mr Maurice Keane, who retires early next year, has made a cash profit of €176,300 (£139,999) and a paper profit of more than €680,000 (£539,000) after exercising share options and then selling some into the market.

Mr Keane bought 140,000 shares in two blocks at an average option price of €2.49 for a total of €348,700. He then sold 55,000 shares into the market at €10.50 to realise €525,000 in cash. The 85,000 optioned shares he retained generated a paper profit of more than €680,000.