There are some serious inconsistencies here, if in one area girls are being barred from competing for not wearing wigs (shame) and in another an entrant who isn't wearing one wins (hooray). I can't for the life of me see how that inequality is justifiable.   

In my not-so-humble opinion the body of authority ought to ban wigs and heavy stage-makeup for all contestants, and ordinary everyday makeup for anyone under (?) 13, or whenever girls normally start wearing it now. I'm a bit out of touch on that score but surely there still IS an age at which girls do not use cosmetics?      

I think the cost of the dresses is a disgrace too, but that's harder to make clear legislation about. Banning all false hairpieces and age-restricting the makeup is easy to define, and maybe also any clothes-decorations that are not part of Irish traditional design, since this is an Irish art form. (Otherwise where does it stop?) That would at least reduce some of the drains and distractions, and help put DANCING back closer to being the centre focus of dance competitions. That scene seems to be turning into a mini-Hollywood. I can see why the industry might want that, but how about the families, who either have to pay out for the whole wardrobe, or else deny their daughters the feis - because there's a mortgage and brothers or sisters who need school shoes and new winter coats? Money's tight now and the silly days are over. Why should these looks-obsessed parasite markets still profit from people who are having enough trouble simply existing day to day?

Be interesting to see what would happen if parents en masse revolted and simply refused to put wigs and greasepaint on their kids. What if every single participant at an event shows up without these? Are they going to cancel it?

A lot of people may silently agree in spirit, but they'll be scared to stick their heads above the parapet, I'm betting. Might make enemies. But without some group action against the business interests - because that's what it is - the costumes and hair will go on getting more and more baroque and attention-seeking and expensive. It's becoming a show, just like reality-TV talent contests. And there are always, always, always the Showbiz Mamas. A minority, but it only takes one or two.

Back to my original question: Do the rules say that girls are barred from entering if they won't wear wigs? And if they don't, that exclusion mentioned above can and should be challenged.   

Good luck and long life to the lassie in the green leotard - you GO, girl. Teacher too.