I don't know - as one who plays bodhran and plays at whistle and a few other instrument, I think it is safe to say that most people I've met who have recently taken up the drum (thanks Riverdance... thanks a LOT...) would be best off by playing it with a pen knife.The general gist is, if you've got a clue, you'll be welcomed into a session - sometimes invited to join in with a band that is actually performing. Be patient and practice - don't try and sound like Mr. Whatzit in whatever band's CD you just picked up - odds are he's been playing a LOT longer than you. Find a teacher who will be willing to work with beginners, then go for more than a couple of lessons and be willing to pay richly for the shared knowledge. Odds are your teacher paid dearly to get it, show enough respect for your teacher and their skill to reciprocate.
That is the polite version of what I tell people at festivals who ask "Gee - I want to learn to play that thing. How do I go about it?"
OK - I'll get off the soap box -
Regards -
Pete