Allied Irish Bank chairman Dermot Gleeson ducked a flying egg at an EGM called by the bank to obtain shareholder approval to a government bailout.

The Irish government will take a 25% stake in the bank after the 3.5 bn euro ($4.8 bn) recapitalization, and will receive an 8% annual dividend.

The egg was thrown by a pensioner, Gary Keogh, when, according to Mr Keogh, Mr Gleeson tried to speak over another shareholder.

The share price of the major Irish bank fell by 91% over the last year, and has ceased to pay dividends. Mr Gleeson apologized to shareholders at the meeting for the "anxiety and distress" caused. He will be standing down in July.