Who Was Mary Ellen Brennan McCann?
And Why is the Master Series Doubles Row Race Named For Her?
Mary Ellen Brennan McCann
In the heart of South Jersey's lifeguard racing scene, the Brennan-McCann Masters Series Doubles Row stands as a cherished tradition. This series, which spans four races over the summer, uses a point system to crown the overall champion. The race bears the name of Mary Ellen Brennan McCann, my grandmother, whose legacy continues to inspire.
I recently had the honor of competing in the race alongside her son, my father, Joe McCann. Despite being 76 years old, my dad is still a formidable competitor, and we secured a commendable fifth place overall.
So, who was Mary Ellen Brennan McCann? Born Oct. 22, 1919, in North Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Daniel and Anna McGee Brennan. Her early years were marred by tragedy when her father fell victim to the flu epidemic of 1924, leaving her and her four siblings fatherless. Despite this hardship, she pursued her education at Corpus Christi Parish grade school and John Hallahan, the oldest Catholic girls’ high school in the United States, graduating in 1938.
She initially worked as a Bell Telephone operator before earning her Pennsylvania Real Estate license. In 1943, she married Chuck McCann from Swampoodle in Northeast Philadelphia. Together, they raised 12 children, with my dad being the fourth oldest and the second son. Though my grandmother passed away just weeks before I was born, I carry her father's name, a man she greatly admired.
Pictured are Joseph D. McCann and Daniel J. McCann, Esq. at the second race of the 2024 season at Seaview Harbor.
Brennan-McCann races held at Larsen’s Marina in Fall 1991.
Chuck and Mary Ellen on the beach.
The connection between my grandmother and lifeguard racing is rooted in family tradition. My grandfather was a pool lifeguard in North Philadelphia, and his daughter Mary Ellen aspired to follow in his footsteps. In 1961, my aunt Mary Ellen became a lifeguard at Carmen Freda’s pool in Sea Isle City, igniting a family passion. Just three years later, my dad joined the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, followed by several of his brothers. Lifeguard racing quickly became a beloved family pastime, with my grandmother enjoying every moment of her children's competitions.
The Brennan-McCann family commitment to lifeguarding has flourished over the years, with more than 30 family members serving on patrols from Atlantic City to Cape May. In honor of my grandmother, who passed away in 1986, the Brennan-McCann Master Series Doubles Row was established two years later. The event began at Larsen’s Marina, moved to the Sea Isle City Yacht Club, and is now held at Sea View Harbor outside Longport.
Celebrating its 36th year, the Brennan-McCann Master Series Doubles Row continues to honor Mary Ellen Brennan McCann's passion for boat racing, preserving the rich tradition of South Jersey's doubles rowing.