Actually the finger picks are the only way I go, though I only use two of the three in a jig. However the bodhran advice is excellent if you try it this way. Just use your thumb on the down stroke and your index on the up. After you have loosened your hand up, try varing the distance between the fingertips as you stroke up and down. Next use your finger picks on the guitar. Finally, once you have the rythmn down, try a contra puntal thumb/index running bass rythmn. Not only can you shift smoothly into a slip jig, by trying a pull-up across several strings with your index finger, within the beat, you can match any ornamentation going.