The Bodhran played well is an excellent instrument. I recently saw a guy in O'Donaghues (Dublin) who played one which was about 8 inches deep by 16 inches in diameter. It had no cross bars and he got such wide tonal range that he played it like a bass guitar. It was stunning.
All those morons who have a pop at bodhran playing should get to Ireland and hear it done properly in a live folk environment.
Unfortunately it is easy to play badly but extremely difficult to play well (with or without a strap).
Good luck Susan-Marie, keep beating and enjoy.