THE Ulster Bank Post-Primary Schools (formerly Vocational Schools) launch their Ulster competitions this Thursday evening at the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown in what is a landmark year for all involved.
They will celebrate their 50th year of providing gaelic games in schools and to mark the occasion a special night lies in store.
Commemorative plaques will be presented to the winners and finalists of the provincial hurling and football competitions from 2014, while the occasion will also be marked by paying tribute to the teachers in schools who are enjoying a well-earned retirement, after dedicating many years to vocational schools' gaelic games in their own schools and counties.
The highlight of the night promises to be the presentations to the special guests in attendance.
Fifty seven players who came through the Ulster vocational schools sector went on to win national Allstar awards and the standard of coaching that they got in their early days no doubt played a huge part in their development.
The list reads like a 'who's who' of GAA in Ulster and Post-Primary Schools secretary Jimmy Smyth is eagerly looking forward to it.
"It's a major milestone to be celebrating and credit has to go to everybody who played their part throughout those 50 years and in particular the people who started it all off," said Smyth.
"From the beginning to the present day schools have the opportunity to compete for county and provincial titles and that is unique. A county title at any level is still a most sought-after achievement and we have built on those early days and hope to develop further in the future.
"A number of schools for various counties have gone on to win not only Ulster but All-Ireland titles as well and that laid a solid foundation for their careers.
"Ulster sides who have gone on to win the Sam Maguire have been backboned by players who played vocational schools football while you only have to look at the list who have won Allstars to see how high the standard is."