DUBLIN, Ireland, May 16, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") (NYSE:AIB) announces that on 15 May 2003, it purchased ordinary shares. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") (NYSE:AIB) announces that on 15 May 2003, it purchased 5,870,000 of its ordinary shares, at an average price of Euro 13.7773, to be held as treasury shares.