DUBLIN, Ireland, May 13, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") (NYSE:AIB) announces that on 12 May 2003, it purchased ordinary shares. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") (NYSE:AIB) announces that on 12 May 2003, it purchased 910,000 of its ordinary shares, at an average price of Euro 14.208, to be held as treasury shares.