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.