A new, national golf tournament for teenagers was launched yesterday. The McGuirk's Boys and Girls All-Ireland Championship, sponsored by the Howth-based equipment supplier, will have its' provincial qualifying stage at Easter.

Played to a net strokeplay format, it is open to competitors aged 18 or under, with handicap limits of 28 for boys and 36 for girls. Qualifying: Leinster Section (supported by Callaway) - on April 1st at The European Club; Munster (supported by MacGregor) April 2nd at Kenmare; Connacht (supported by Maxfli) - April 3rd at Connemara; Ulster (supported: by Titleist/Footjoy) - April 4th at Ballyliffin.

The 24 finalists will compete for a perpetual trophy at The K Club on Sunday, June 15th. "Our hope is that every club will stage a qualifying event before March 21st and that we will have truly representative fields for the provincial finals," said Michael McGuirk yesterday.