Jack Robinson and Cein McMonagle; The Clogherinkoe pair that fired themselves into Kildare focus

Dynamic duos are rare enough in the GAA, the typical formations don't lend the viewers to see forwards in that manner, like the old English football 4-4-2 used to. However, Clogherinkoe’s standout attacking pairing in Jack Robinson and Cein McMonagle have put themselves into that category. 

Both men set the Kildare Senior Championship alight last year and there is just a handful of players that amassed more points than these two did. For their efforts, both men have enjoyed minutes in a Kildare jersey for the Lilywhites brief stint in the O’Byrne cup. However short it may have been, the games were an opportunity for both players to impress Glenn Ryan ahead of Kildare’s Division 2 league campaign.

Perhaps a disservice to both men that they are lumped into this player profile together but the Clogherinkoe forwards are the standout talents in their club side. Clogherinkoe exited the 2022 Kildare Senior Football Championship to Athy but when the competition was said and done these two were still right at the sharp end of the scoring charts. 

Jack Robinson finished his SFC campaign with an incredible 2-24, leaving him joint-second top scorer with Clane duo and county finalist’s Brian McLoughlin and Shane O’Sullivan.

McMonagle was far from lagging behind as his 2-21 contribution had him in joint fourth position in the scoring list.

The pair have both shown elements of that type of free-scoring in the recent pre-season games with Jack Robinson shining in Kildare’s opener vs Wexford and slotting 0-6 on the day. Five of which came from open play.

McMonagle has also made his presence felt against both Louth and Wexford, managing 0-2 in each of those games. 

In summary, these two carry the burden for their club, a responsibility that you would imagine won't be needed if they are potentially donning white in the coming months. Whatever way the selection process goes, these two are well worth their place in Glenn Ryan’s considerations due to their scoring prowess. And additional attacking flair will always be welcomed by Kildare fans.