DUBLIN, Ireland, Aug. 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") (NYSE:AIB) has today announced that Declan Mc Sweeney has decided to retire from his role as Chief Financial Officer, AIB Group at the end of September this year. Mr. Mc Sweeney, 52, who joined AIB in 1978, will continue as a Board and Audit Committee member of AIB's Polish Banking business and will also be providing financial consultancy services. He has decided to retire from full time employment with the organisation in order to pursue other business interests both in Ireland and abroad. Eugene Sheehy, Chief Executive, AIB Group said, "Declan has held a number of key and influential posts in the financial management areas of AIB both in Ireland and the U.K. throughout his 27 years with the Company. The depth of knowledge and experience Declan has brought to all these roles together with the consistent excellence of his professionalism and advice have been greatly appreciated and valued by everyone who has worked with him. He will be very much missed and on behalf of myself and all of his colleagues I would like to wish him the very best for the future."