Winnowing was then also done by hand. A day of steady wind of medium strength was fixed upon. A winnnowing sheet generally made of coarse sacking was spread on the ground. The operator stood on a chair in the centre of it. His assistant handed him the vessel of corn from the Síogán, and with his back to the wind and the vessel held as high as possible he let the grain fall slowly. The good heavy grains fell directly on the sheet, the lighter ones further on whilst the chaff was blown leeward. As this holding aloft of the hands was tiresome a specially light vessel called a BODHRÁN was used. It was made of sheepskin, drawn tightly over a circular bow of wood about 3 inches in depth. ( Sceitse - Bodhrán / Dildurn ) The corn falling on it made it give off a peculiar crackling sound, and once I heard an intelligent native speaker describe a singer whom he considered no good in the following sarcastic phrase-: "B'fhearr liom bheith ag eisteacht le gabhar ag cacadh ar bhodhrán." The English word "Dildum" was sometimes, though rarely used.

This word BODHRÁN should not be confused with BÓITHREÁN which means cowdung dried by the sun in Summertime, and one time gathered by the poorer classes for fire, particularly for baking of bread as it burned with a slow, strong heat. I have heard it aptly translated as "Cowturf."

1. Kerry Style

• The most common traditional style.

• Played with a double-ended tipper.

• The other hand goes inside the drum to change pitch.

• Fast wrist action and great for dance tunes like reels and jigs.

• Originated in County Kerry.

• 🎥 Kerry Style Tutorial – Straight Wrist Basics​

2. Hand Style (Bare Hand)

• Played with the knuckles, palm or fingers instead of a tipper

• Produces a softer, deeper sound.

• Found in older rural traditions, sometimes for slow airs.

• Less common today, but still respected.

• 🎥 Hand Style Demonstration​

3. Top-End Style

• A modern, advanced variation of Kerry style.

• Played near the top edge of the drum for more control.

• Allows pitch bending, rolls, and sharp accents.

• Popular with professional players and in competitions.

• 🎥 Top-End Style Exercise by James Yoshizawa​

4. West Limerick Style

• Uses a single-ended tipper.

• Focuses on a steady pulse, less variation.

• More of a supportive rhythm style in group settings.

• A regional tradition not widely used today.

• 🎥 Roscommon, Kerry, & West Limerick Techniques​

5. Experimental & Fusion Styles

• Incorporates brushes, fingers, or different beaters.

• Mixes techniques from jazz, rock, or world percussion.

• Used in modern or fusion bands for unique rhythms.

• 🎥 The Bodhrán Experiment​