Derrychara United have folded after 15 years in the Fermanagh and Western Football League following a meeting of the club on Tuesday night.

Club secretary Johnny Noble confirmed that the decision was taken and the club are now waiting to see whether their players can have their registrations cancelled thereby allowing them to sign for other clubs on R6 registration forms before the end of the season.

At the time of going to press, the Fermanagh and Western were seeking clarification from the Irish Football Association.

Secretary Noble explained: “We met on Tuesday night and took the decision regrettably after 15 years to fold the club. We just don’t have the players to play our final game through injuries and a lack of availability. Since the Reserves folded we have been struggling and in fairness to the players that are still on board we feel it is best that we give them a chance to register with other clubs if possible before the March 31 deadline.” Noble has been to the forefront of the club throughout its 15 year history.

“I got the club up and running in the summer of 2000. It is disappointing because only last year we just missed out on promotion, finishing third in Division Two. That was our best finish and now we are folding which is a pity. It has to be said it is very hard for small clubs, the financial burden is rising and it looks as if that will continue with this new council. So when you add the financial pressures to then struggling on the field, then it all comes to a head. If we did not field in our final game we would also be fined. There are also too many clubs in Ennniskillen at junior level.” It is believed that notification to the Fermanagh and Western by special delivery was sent on Wednesday thereby meaning the club’s demise would be official today (Thursday). League rules state that clubs that fold during a season can be fined up to £150.