* Euro pares gains on concerns over euro zone econ, finances

* Ireland denies seeking IMF help; says need to cut deficit

* Trade subdued ahead of ECB rate decision on Thursday

* Market watching U.S. Dec retail sales

(Adds comments, updates prices)

By Tamawa Desai

LONDON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The euro pared earlier gains on Wednesday as concerns mounted over the euro zone economy and the state of its public finances, overriding earlier cautious optimism that had prompted investors to buy the currency.

Data on Wednesday showed Germany's economy grew at its slowest pace in three years in 2008. More pointedly, data showed the euro zone's biggest economy had contracted by between 1.5 percent and 2.0 percent in the final three months of the year, the largest fall since German reunification in 1990.

Sentiment over the euro was hurt further on reports Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen said IMF help may be needed if its economic downturn worsens, although those comments were later denied. [ID:nLE684175]