Director Shareholding

W.H. Ireland Group PLC
2 June 2003


                                                                                                                      
  W.H. Ireland Group plc                                                                                              
  ('W.H. Ireland')   
                                                                                                 
  Increase in directors' shareholdings                                                                                

  As set out in the circular to shareholders dated 20 March 2003 and as referred to in the announcement released      
  earlier today, W.H. Ireland has recently offered a scrip dividend alternative to shareholders (the 'Scrip           
  Alternative').                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
  249,943 new ordinary shares of 5p each were issued on 30 May 2003 in satisfaction of elections by shareholders      
  pursuant to the Scrip Alternative.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                      
  Certain of the Directors of W.H. Ireland have elected to receive shares pursuant to the Scrip Alternative, which    
  has had the following effect on their shareholdings:   
                                                             
                                                                                                         Percentage of
                             Existing holding     No. of ordinary shares acquired          Total       enlarged issued
  Director                                                                             resultant        ordinary share
                                                                                    shareholding               capital

  Wilfrid Laurie Beevers            2,135,357                              56,193      2,191,550                 14.58
 
  David William Youngman            2,197,337                              57,823      2,255,160                 15.00

  Derek Francis Ashford               173,320                               4,560        177,880                  1.18

  Sir David Trippier                  460,666                              12,122        472,788                  3.15

  John Edward Lawrence                558,000                              14,684        572,684                  3.81

  Mohammed Ibrahim Marafie          3,130,000                              82,367      3,212,367                 21.37
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
  Enquiries:      
                                                                                                    
  Derek Ashford, Finance Director                                  0161 832 6644                                      
 
 



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