I am surprised no one has picked up on : "The Irish word 'Bodhar' means deaf or haunting." Of course, in this sense, "haunting" is the apt variation. Although, I wonder if the other variation may have some merit? Could the "deaf" allude to a deaf person being able to feel the beat?

I have two Kearns Hrans and highly recommend them. I also have a small synthetic and prefer it in pubs and the like. When people throw beer at you, the tone remains unchanged.