Draghunting stalwart Marie Keating enters Echo Women in Sport Hall of Fame

It is hard to believe, when Marie Keating met her husband Christy in 1974, little did she think that for over 50 years she would be steeped in the sport of draghunting.

Two years later she married Christy and they were blessed with four children, Louise, Karen, Christopher, and Daniel. And now the Keating name is now a household name in the sport.

It all began for Marie when her husband trained the legendary Cartgate Laddie, four-time champion hound, but sadly the coveted Senior All-Ireland draghunt title eluded him finishing runner-up on four occasions.

“Cartgate was a special hound that will always have a place in our hearts as he basically had everything that a hound needs to have to be a champion,” Marie said.

The Keating family for many years dominated the sport with quality hounds like Montego Bay, John Henry, and Mason, to name a few, as their love for their dogs was always clear to see.

“I suppose we were lucky as some very good hounds crossed our path, but for us the welfare of our hounds was the number one priority like the majority of trainers in our sport,” added Marie.

When you have had so many good hounds surely there is one that stands out?

“Cartgate Laddie, without doubt, is top of the pile but for sheer pleasure my pick would be Mason, as he was one of two pups we reared after getting them from Cumbrian trainer Tony Jackson.”

In 1999, Mason completed the Grand Slam in the sport with victories in the Munster championship, Senior International, Senior All-Ireland, and Senior champion.

Although husband Christy was the name associated with all the Keating hounds, behind ever good man is a better woman and Marie was always content to stay in the background.

“All I can say is we worked as a team and when I really got the bug for draghunting, when we bred Cartgate Laddie with a hunting hound called Bluebell in 1980 and helping rear 10 pups would test your love and patience for hounds.”

Outside of helping with the training of hounds, Marie will be remembered as one of the best secretaries ever produced in the sport.

“I took over in 2004 until 2020 and it was labour of love as working in that position, no matter what sport you are involved in, you must ensure it is done in a professional manner.”

PROFESSIONAL

Looking back on her 16 years in the hot-seat, Marie is happy with her contribution to the sport.

“For me, making sure rules were followed and also making sure our sport was running in a professional manner was always my aim in the role of secretary.

“For the people that don’t know our sport there is a lot of work making sure hounds are cleared from England and our fellow associations.

“I think enforcing rules is only way a sport can be run efficiently, and I suppose when I finished it was time to hand over the batten to the younger generation.”

When Marie was named as The EWIS Hall of Fame winner for 2024, last week, she was surprised and proud of the honour.

Look I am shocked but in reality, this award is for every volunteer in our sport as it's all about pulling together in our fight for survival.

“My family have always supported me and that’s very important when you are involved in any competitive sport.

“Finally, many thanks to the sports department of The Echo, whose dedication and loyalty to draghunting over many years is very much appreciated and long may it last just as our sport has survived 132 years.”