Lunny has been a major force and influence at the commercial coalface of Irish traditional music since the early Seventies, most visibly as a member of Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts - all of which enjoy iconic status in the current Irish music boom. In the past decade he has been more of a producer, a mover and shaker - a prolific backroom presence in an increasingly prolific Irish trad industry. Common Ground, last year's set by various EMI artists, was essentially a Donal Lunny album-cum-tribute album in all but name, but Coolfin (released on Monday) carries his name unashamedly - the first to do so for 10 years.For an invited audience peppered with the likes of Christy Moore, Paul Brady and Altan alongside family, friends and legion media folk, Lunny and the seven-piece Coolfin Band delivered a razor-sharp, sensuous performance of 11 choice cuts that sparkled with the virtuosity and controlled energy one would expect. It is impossible to walk away from a relationship where children are involved. School meetings, graduations and weddings mean that couples will continue to meet as parents. Selected services also offer mediation under the legal aid scheme to those who satisfy the relevant financial criteria.If you are keen to achieve an amicable end to your marriage or relationship, then I urge you to consider mediation. In mediation, a settlement can be reached in a matter of weeks. But the mediators still require detailed disclosure of financial circumstances.Mediation is also suitable for cohabiting couples or same sex couples who may wish to consider arrangements concerning children, property ownership and housing.The cost of mediation will be split between the couple in whatever proportion they agree.

Typically, mediation sessions last one to two hours and lawyer mediators charge about pounds 70 per person per session. Usually the process is completed in four sessions although this depends on the issues under discussion and the complexity of the case. Both were anxious to see as much of the children as possible. Alan had formed a new relationship, and Susannah was upset about this and mindful of the effect this could have on the children. Both had strong - and opposing - views as to whether the matrimonial home should be sold.

In mediation, it was possible to agree a pattern of contact so that Alan could spend frequent time with the children. Alan was able to agree that the children should not be brought into contact with his girlfriend until the separation took place. It was agreed that the house should be sold but Susannah would receive a greater proportion of the proceeds to reflect the fact that Alan had superior pension provision. Both took the agreement to their own lawyers, an agreed settlement was reached and the legal costs were reduced considerably.If the case had proceeded to a court hearing, costs on each side could have totalled thousands of pounds with delays of a year or more.