The news that the consortium led by Sir Anthony O'Reilly had raised its offer for Eircom led to renewed interest in the telecom company's stock.
Eircom picked up four cents to close the day at €1.34 on very strong volumes of more than 16 million shares.
On what was a mixed day for the Irish market, which saw the ISEQ close 0.23 per cent weaker at 6,075.30, financials provided the other main news.
Shares in AIB finished slightly higher on the back of an upgrade from "hold" to "accumulate" by Commerzbank Securities. It said in a brief note that AIB's first half results, announced on Wednesday, corresponded with its forecast. In good two-day trade, which saw more than 1.2 million shares change hands, AIB was 10 cents stronger at €12.30.
Bank of Ireland was also stronger on the day, picking up 15 cents to €11.30 with just more than 1.1 million shares traded. Anglo Irish Bank dropped back nine cents to €4.23 on the back of Exchequer figures showing the economy slowing. Irish Life & Permanent also closed down on the day, losing 16 cents to €13.31.
Good interest in Greencore, with more than 500,000 shares traded, saw it enjoy a good run to close three cents up at €2.75.
Ahead of results on Tuesday, Ryanair saw more than 660,000 shares traded, with the stock advancing five cents to €12.35.
Kerry Group picked up two cents to €14.25 following the news that it was to extend its offer for Golden Vale by a week in order to achieve the 80 per cent needed to declare the offer unconditional.
