Top four are clear favourites to progress in the Tipperary football championship

No surprises in the Tipperary football championship so far with the established sides topping their groups, the reigning county champions Clonmel Commercials and three mid Tipperary teams - JK Brackens, Loughmore Castleiney and Upperchurch Drombane - all qualify for the quarter finals as top seeds in their respective groups. 

The make up of the top four represents a slight change to the previous dynamic of the so called top three of the past decade, namely Commercials, Loughmore and Moyle Rovers. 

It will be interesting to see next springtime if more players from the division step up to the Tipperary senior team next spring. 

Of the top four JK Brackens are looking formidable now that Paddy Cadell is back playing again. The Templemore native was out injured with a serious knee injury but has made a remarkable half year turnaround to get back on the field of play in time to help out his club.

He was simply outstanding at centre back playing hurling against Drom Inch in round 3 of the hurling championship but earlier results went against them so they are currently in hurling relegation where no one will want to play them. 

They are now in the last eight of the football championship and are realistic contenders for silverware with Paddy Cadell and his brother Conor both key players.

Most of the team play hurling as well and they know each other's movements on the field well. 

Upperchurch are there too and will be hoping for a run the football to compensate for their disappointing hurling championship exit where they now find themselves in relegation as well.  

Luke and Paul Shanahan are the main players on the football team and as a club they have concentrated on football and made big strides in recent years to where they are competing at present.

Both Brackens and The Church will be outsiders though as Loughmore and Commercials are once more involved and have key players back from injury. 

With all players fully fit, both are by far the best teams in Tipperary and both will be expected to progress to the semi finals and indeed the final if they don't play against each other beforehand. 

That is the county final most neutrals would want as other finals have been one sided in recent years whereas when they meet in the decider it is usually decided in the last minute of the action such are the compelling contests. 

Of course there is always room for an upset and the four teams in the runners up section taking on the group winners will feel they all have a good chance. 

Of those runners up, Moyle Rovers are the most high profile side and their quarter final clash with Loughmore is one to look forward to as the teams have played out some close knockout games in recent seasons. 

Kilsheelan-Kilcash nearly caused an upset against Commercials on day one before they faltered somewhat and they now will try their best to mount a credible challenge against The Church in what should be a close game. 

Killenaule on paper have a quality football team with Jimmy and Paidie Feehan as their two main players but they will need something special to overcome JK Brackens in their quarter final clash. 

Finally the reigning champions Clonmel Commercials will take on last year's intermediate winners Ballina. There is about 100kms between both clubhouses so expect a contrast too in football styles. 

The north team have been real contenders in both hurling and football this year with Steven O'Brien starring for both teams, but the firepower of Commercials who have intercounty corner forward Sean O'Connor back in action means they will be red-hot-favourites to progress. 

If Ballina can keep it tight in the first half and sneak a couple of goals, the potential is there for them to cause a major shock but on known form the experienced Clonmel side will be on high alert. 

All in all the top four in the groups look likely to progress to the semi finals but of course there's always the potential for a shock in one of the fixtures. Which one will it be?