Former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson to be laid to rest this week as funeral details announced
The
sadly passed away, aged 54, after a "courageous battle" with Cystic Fibrosis.
Advertisement
2
The funeral details have been released for Julian Benson
Credit: www.kipcarroll.com
2
Julian sadly passed away, aged 54, after a 'courageous battle' with Cystic Fibrosis
Credit: Kyran O'Brien Photography
Julian was
when he passed away at St Vincent's Hospital in
His heartbroken loved ones said his "strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end".
The funeral details were made available on
today.
Julian will repose at Fanagans Funeral Home, Aungier Street on Friday April 25, from 5pm until 7pm and "all are most welcome".
Advertisement
READ MORE ON JULIAN BENSON
The Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 11am in Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, which will be followed by a burial in Glasnevin Cemetery.
A statement on behalf of his family read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson.
"Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with
"His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.
Advertisement
most read in the irish sun
Exclusive
"A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Julian became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars.
"Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, he quickly became a show favourite.
Julian Benson reveals 'best thing he's done in life' in heartwarming RTE clip
"He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.
"Julian was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two.
Advertisement
"But rather than let this challenge define him, Julian decided to embrace life fully.
"He began dancing at the age of four and embarked on a professional career at just 14 – an incredible achievement for anyone, let alone someone living with a chronic lung condition.
"His determination and passion became the driving force behind everything he did."
STAR LOST
Julian, who was born in Australia and moved to Ireland when he was 12, kept his CF diagnosis a secret for over 40 years.
Advertisement
The family statement added: "For over 40 years, Julian kept his diagnosis private.
"It was only in 2018, during an emotional appearance on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy, that he revealed his lifelong illness and shared his dream of creating a charity to support the CF community.
"That night, he announced the birth of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (JBCFF) and said: 'I have Cystic Fibrosis, but Cystic Fibrosis doesn't have me.'
And relatives insisted Julian's legacy will live on in his 'dream' project Tranquility House on Grosvenor Road in Dublin 6.
Advertisement
'HIS DREAM'
It continued: "Julian's mission was always clear: to provide vital support and services to CF warriors and their families, including a home from home while their loved ones receive treatment in hospital.
"His dream became a reality with the opening of Tranquility House – a space where families can find comfort and peace during difficult times.
"This extraordinary achievement was made possible by the generosity of over 130 companies and individuals who believed in Julian's vision.
"The remarkable transformation of Tranquility House, featured on
Advertisement
Julian is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, and his beloved nieces and nephew.
His family wishes to thank the Cystic Fibrosis team at St Vincent's University Hospital for supporting Julian throughout his life.
They have also thanked the ICU team at St. Vincent's, who cared for Julian "with tenderness and kindness during his final days" and the transplant team at Beaumont Hospital "whose care gave Julian renewed energy".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
'She's already won it' - The best tweets from Rose of Tralee
The Rose of Tralee has once again arrived and people across Ireland have sat down to entertain themselves with singing, dancing and quite a bit of judgement. With festivities in full swing for the International Festival, memorable moments are being created for the Roses themselves and the thousands of fans watching live on RTE. The Rose of Tralee remains one of Ireland's most enduring and beloved cultural events, bringing together people from across the country and around the world to celebrate Irish identity, heritage and ambition. Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas with the Roses. Pic: Domnick Walsh However, one thing to always look out for during the glamourous event is the inevitable memes and jokes being shared from viewers all around the country. Aside from the talent and excitement on show from the stage, here is a look at the best and funniest tweets to come out of the event so far. The planet's on fire, the economy's in bits, politicians are wreckin' our heads…⁰But none of that matters tonight. It's Roses, escorts, Daithí's jacket, and the Dome.⁰For two nights only, Ireland is united. 🌹🇮🇪#RoseOfTralee#RoseOfTralee2025@RoseofTralee_ — Catherine (@MeeCatherine) August 18, 2025 For her party piece the Meath Rose will work a 12 hour shift as nurse and not get paid enough#RoseOfTralee — The Cork Coypu (@CorkCoypu) August 18, 2025 Meath Rose is a student nurse, a nanny, an Irish dancer, young and pretty – she'd be a hands down winner for the lovely girls competition #roseoftralee — AnneMarie Brogan (@AnneMarie81) August 18, 2025 You can now understand why they got rid of the partypiece as a required element. Some people shouldn't be encouraged #roseoftralee — Niall Horan (@niallhoran) August 18, 2025 Young wans moving their arms during the Irish dancing. Tut. In my day you didn't MOVE from the Fanny up. As god intended.#roseoftralee — Niecy O'Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) August 18, 2025 Something tells me DC Rose has only just learned the word 'phenomenal' and is determined to use it as many times as she can! Or she's getting €100 every time she says it #roseoftralee — AnneMarie Brogan (@AnneMarie81) August 18, 2025 Did she just say 'County Naas'? 🤣 #roseoftralee — Keeirs (@finucy) August 18, 2025 When an American Rose is on stage, Daithi increases his Paddywackery by a solid 30%#roseoftralee — The Cork Coypu (@CorkCoypu) August 18, 2025 Wexford Rose already won it for me. Give her the tiara. Sing the song. It's her.#roseoftralee — Niecy O'Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) August 18, 2025 For her party piece the Wexford Rose will flog some overpriced strawberries while not pronouncing the letter T#RoseOfTralee — The Cork Coypu (@CorkCoypu) August 18, 2025 T'wouldnt be the #roseoftralee without a lovely song about the brutal murder of a priest. — Niecy O'Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) August 18, 2025 There's no justice in the world if the first message to their WhatsApp isn't pointing out that they've misspelt 'Conditions' #RoseOfTralee — ⋆˙⟡ Hannah °❀.ೃ࿔* (@wasabibestie) August 18, 2025 Is Ciara Jo the first Rose to ever reference Snapchat? 👀📱⁰Also… a Rose in Docs? I support this 103%. 🖤#RoseOfTralee #RoseOfTralee2025 @RoseofTralee_ — Catherine (@MeeCatherine) August 18, 2025 Speaks about 74 languages… but somehow skipped Irish? 👀⁰We'll let it slide, but only just. 😉#RoseOfTralee #RoseOfTralee2025 @RoseofTralee_ — Catherine (@MeeCatherine) August 18, 2025 Disqualified immediately for picking King crisps over Tayto #roseoftralee — Paul Cashin (@PaulCashin_) August 18, 2025 She picked the Tan crisps. She's finished. #roseoftralee — Niecy O'Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) August 18, 2025 I'd say she keeps her toaster in the cupboard.#RoseOfTralee #RoseOfTralee2025 @RoseofTralee_ — Catherine (@MeeCatherine) August 18, 2025 finally!! a talent i also relate too! eating chocolat, eating crisps and drinking tea!!! #roseoftralee — Eims ⁷ (@4norrisL) August 18, 2025 For her party piece the Kerry Rose will barely hide her raging jealousy of Cork people#roseoftralee — The Cork Coypu (@CorkCoypu) August 18, 2025 In a shock move Fine Gael have announced they will be putting forward the Wexford Rose as their candidate in the Presidential election. #roseoftralee — Shane Finn (@shanefinnab) August 18, 2025
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Rose of Tralee viewers 'get goosebumps' over contestant's special talent
Rose of Tralee viewers were left reaching for the tissues tonight as one contestant delivered a breathtaking performance that had the audience and viewers at home in awe. The festival returned to RTE with 32 contestants set to take the stage over two nights at the Dome in the Kerry Sports Academy, co-hosted by Kathryn Thomas and Dáithí Ó Sé. It was New Zealand Rose Ciara Jo Hanlon, who stole the spotlight with her rendition of She Moves Through The Fair. The Galway-born adventurer and teacher, now living in Wellington, has a passion for wellbeing, the outdoors and Irish culture - and her singing talent clearly struck a chord. Social media quickly lit up with praise. One fan wrote: "What a super example of an Irish Cailin. Her singing gave me goose bumps." Another echoed this saying: "Gave me goosebumps." Someone else said: "Wow. Great voice and beautiful lady." A fourth wrote: "Beautiful girl, what a voice." Another simply said: "I love her voice." Ciara Jo told how honoured she is to represent New Zealand at the 2025 festival and said she is excited to share the journey with her fellow Roses. New Zealand Rose Ciara Jo Hanlon (Image: RTE/Rose of Tralee) Elsewhere on the night, Washington DC Rose Soracha McGrath shared a lighthearted anecdote about her late grandfather PJ McGrath, who refereed the 1982 All-Ireland football final, while Wexford Rose Cliona O'Leary revealed her lifelong dream of being part of the festival. Meanwhile, Carl Mullan made his debut as MC for the festival, taking over from Will Leahy, who hosted for two decades. Mullan called it "a huge honour" and credited Leahy for giving him tips on stepping into the iconic role. Ladbrokes has already tipped Cork Rose Nancy Lehane, a teacher and multi-instrumentalist, as the early favourite, with Wexford's Laura Daly and Limerick's Celine O'Meara close behind. Dublin Rose Edel Cronin is also in the running to become the first winner from the capital since 2003. But for many viewers, it was Ciara Jo's spellbinding voice that became the night's defining moment. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Rose of Tralee is officially dead', fume shocked RTE viewers as fan-favourite presenter replaced for this year's show
RTE fixed something that did not need fixing ' RTE fixed something that did not need fixing ' OFF-AIR 'Rose of Tralee is officially dead', fume shocked RTE viewers as fan-favourite presenter replaced for this year's show ROSE of Tralee viewers were all left with the same question after one of the show's stars was missing from this year's broadcast. The hit show returned tonight with co-hosts Kathryn Thomas and Daithi O Se taking to the stage to welcome each Rose to the competition. 2 Carl Mullan replaced Will Leahy on this year's broadcast Credit: RTE 2 Carl announced he secured the gig just last week Credit: RTE Advertisement A total of 32 hopefuls are on hand at the Dome in Tralee in a bid to be crowned, The Rose of Tralee this week. The first 18 Roses put their best foot forward tonight, with women from places as far as Texas and New Zealand showing off their talents. Tomorrow night, the remaining 14 Roses will take to the same stage in a bid to win over the hearts of the nation and be crowned The Rose of Tralee. Daithi and Kathryn kicked off tonight's proceedings with a dazzling introduction to all 32 Roses tracked to Coldplay's Sky Full of Stars. Advertisement And following their introduction they threw to their MC for the night - a moment which left many viewers confused. In a change for this year's ceremony, there is a new announcer for the first time in twenty years. After more than two decades in the coveted role, RTE veteran Will Leahy stepped down from his Master of Ceremonies role. He made the announcement on his Facebook last week to many fans' disappointment. Advertisement Will's quick wit and iconic voiceovers have been replaced this year by RTE 2FM's Carl Mullan. Many viewers weren't aware of Will's departure and took to social media to share their disappointment at his absence. 2025 Rose of Tralee hopefuls reveal their stories ahead of the contest Aoife said: "Nahhhh the Rose of Tralee is officially dead, they haven't gone and replaced Will Leahy wtf the nostalgia." Christina tweeted: "#JusticeForWillLeahy RTE fixed something that did not need fixing." Lucy questioned: "Where is will Leahy?" Advertisement STAR SHAKE-UP Valerie added: "Hope Will Leahy sees all the messages and knows he is missed. RTE have really messed up." Early last week Carl made the shock announcement about his new role live on-air during his breakfast show. Explaining what his role would entail, he told his co-stars: "I'm absolutely buzzing for it. "On the night, I'm the person who's responsible for introducing all 32 Roses on stage, telling you about them, where they're from." Later, he took to his social media to reveal his surprising link to the annual event. Advertisement The dad-of-three shared a photo of himself looking very dapper in a tuxedo as he walked the carpet of the Rose Of Tralee festival 2016. He revealed that nine years ago he was an escort for two of that year's roses; Donegal and Scotland.
