Thanks folks, I think from the sound of it I shall stick to a light water spray on the inside before playing. It is a tuneable one, so I can always loosen it off a bit if I need to.

I was really wondering whether it aged/ cracked if nothing else was applied but from the sounds of it, that doesn't look like its a problem.

I'm pleased with the one I got, I went for a good quality second hand (Malachy Kearns) as opposed to a cheap new one, so i'm hoping it will last.

Oh and while were on, is removing the cross beams completely safe, with respect to the strength of the Bodhran? or are they important structurally? Mine has two and it is difficult to get any movement up and down the drum with my support hand as a result.

Many thanks for the helpful comments,
Rich.