A WEST Cork GAA club turned down a petition from parents calling on the U14 footballers to go it alone this season instead of the on-going amalgamation with a nearby club.

Barryroe, it is understood, voted 7-6 at an executive meeting to continue with the amalgamation with Argideen Rangers from Timoleague, under the Ibane Gaels banner, which has been in place since 2012, and covers teams from U14, U16, Minor and U21.

Amalgamations are permitted when there are insufficient numbers in parent clubs.

Those involved in the petition, which contained 23 signatures, claim Barryroe has 35 players at U14, enough to enter a team on its own.

“We speak only on behalf of our own U14s and do not wish to influence any decisions made by the club with regard to other age groups.

“We are absolutely not anti the Ibane amalgamation and we know that it is necessary at times when numbers are inadequate,” the petition said.

The club's executive decision prompted an angry response from a number of parents.

It led to up to 10 transfer requests to clubs like Clonakilty, Bandon and Newcestown, but they were denied because they did not meet the criteria set out in dealing with club transfers.

Transfers are permitted on issues like a change of address and moving to the new club's parish.

Or another way is to stop playing for 48 weeks after which transfers are usually granted.

Ibane Gaels' first game in the West Region Division 1 League is away to Clonakilty on Sunday at 12 noon.

When contacted a club spokesman said they would not be commenting for the moment.