AIB Board Changes Succession at USA Division.

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 1998--Mr. Jeremiah E. Casey, who is Chief Executive of AIB's USA Division, (NYSE: AIB;AIBPR:FMBPR) an Executive Director of AIB, and Chairman of the Board of First Maryland Bancorp (FMB), has announced his intention to retire from AIB in 1999 after 41 years service. To smooth the succession at the head of AIB's US operations, Mr. Casey has decided to relinquish his role as Chief Executive, USA Division and his seat on the AIB Board on 31 October 1998. He will continue, until retirement in 1999, as Chairman of FMB and as a member of AIB's Group Executive Committee.

The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Frank P. Bramble, President and Chief Executive Officer of FMB, as Chief Executive, USA Division and an Executive Director of AIB with effect from 1 November 1998. Mr. Bramble joined AIB's Group Executive Committee earlier this year. Prior to joining FMB in 1994 he had a distinguished banking career.

Commenting on these changes Mr. Tom Mulcahy, Group Chief Executive, said:

"Jerry Casey has played the pivotal role in AIB's highly successful expansion in the United States. He has been an outstanding Chief Executive of our US operations and his decision to lighten his heavy workload in preparation for retirement next year is fully understood. His continuation into 1999 as Chairman of FMB and a member of the Group Executive is welcomed and will greatly assist his successor.

Frank Bramble takes over the leadership of our US operations at a time of great change and challenge. Since joining FMB in 1994 as its President and Chief Executive Officer he has worked with Jerry Casey to refocus that organisation, strengthen its management and prepare it for an increasingly competitive environment. I am confident that he will lead our US operations to new successes and we are looking forward to Frank's contribution to the future direction of AIB as a member of the Board and Group Executive Committee."