Michael Keating travelled to the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games as a reserve member of the Irish canoeing squad. A technically accomplished canoeist, Keating had achieved notable international results during the qualification period for Montreal and would have seamlessly integrated into any of the Irish boats if called upon to do so.  The Irish canoeing team at Montreal competed in the K-2 500m, K-2 1000m and K-4 1000m events.