"With his outstanding musicality and creativity he has filled new listeners with enthusiasm for the orchestra every day and has shaped the national and international perception of the Berliner Philharmoniker as a vital cultural ambassador for Berlin, " he said.

BBC: Sir Simon Rattle

However for all their enthusiasm and creativity in the pack Irish still struggled to breakdown a Sale defence not known for its resilience in recent weeks.

BBC: Pointless Bedford fail again

"Our big, bold ambition to re-imagine Windows as well as launch Surface and Windows Phone 8 has sparked growing enthusiasm with our customers and unprecedented opportunity and creativity with our partners and developers, " said chief executive Steve Ballmer.

BBC: Microsoft profit dips despite Windows 8 sales boost