ISEQ index declined 12.84 points to 7185.35 today, but it could have been worse were it not for a huge rise from Kerry Group.
The food giant gained a massive €2.21 to €17.46. Its competitors did not fare as well, with Donegal Creameries sliding 10c to €4.20 and Glanbia down 14c to €2.10.
It was a generally positive day for the financials, with only Anglo Irish Bank showing a loss, down 8c to €10.92. The best performer was Irish Life & Permanent, up an impressive 37c to €17.42. Bank of Ireland inched up 6c to €13.29, with Allied Irish Banks gaining 15c to €17.50.
There was some bad news elsewhere, with many companies down significantly. McInerney Holdings declined sharply, down 40c to €10.50. It was also a day of trading to forget for Elan (down 41c to €11.10), Kingspan (down 29c to €12.71) and Paddy Power (down 32c to €12.50).
Companies such as FBD (up 20c to €37.65) and Ryanair (up 14c to €7.34) bucked the negative trend.