UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 6-K

                        Report of Foreign Private Issuer


                        Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
                    under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934




                          For the date of 09 May, 2007

                   ALLIED IRISH BANKS, public limited company

             Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

                         Form 20-F..X... Form 40-F.....

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                               Yes ..... No ..X...

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ________








For immediate release                                            9th MAY, 2007


                        AIB ANNOUNCES BOARD RETIREMENTS



Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") (NYSE: AIB) announces the retirement of Mr.
Padraic Fallon and Mr. John B. McGuckian from the Board with effect from the
conclusion of today's Annual General Meeting, after long and distinguished
service.


                                     -ENDS-


For further information please contact:
Catherine Burke
Head of Corporate Relations
AIB Group
Bankcentre
Dublin 4
Tel: +353-1-6600311 ext. 13894







                                   Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.


                                               ALLIED IRISH BANKS, p.l.c.
                                               (Registrant)




Date  09 May, 2007                                 By: ___________________
                                                   John O'Donnell
                                                   Group Director, Finance,
                                                   Risk and Enterprise
                                                   Technology
                                                   Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.