AGM

Grafton Group PLC
4 May 2000

                                                                              
                            ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING                         
                                                                              
                                 4 MAY 2000                               

Grafton continues to benefit from the strong demand in our sector in Ireland
and the improving environment for UK merchanting.  Like for like sales growth
has been achieved in both markets.

The Group continues to implement its strategy of growth through organic
development and acquisitions in the UK and Ireland.

Profitability in the first half is on target to exceed that of the same period
last year.


For Reference:                            Michael Chadwick
                                          Executive Chairman
                                          Grafton Group plc
                                          Telephone:  [phone]

                                          Joe Murray
                                          Murray Consultants
                                          Telephone:  [phone]

                                          Ginny Pulbrook
                                          Citigate Dewe Rogerson
                                          Telephone:  [phone]