Irish stars pay tribute as Julian Benson laid to rest
Faces of the Irish entertainment industry were out in force today as the late Julian Benson was laid to rest.
The former Dancing With The Stars judge, who was known as Captain Sparkle during his time on the show, passed away from complications due to cystic fibrosis, which he was diagnosed with at the age of two.
Rather than let the diagnosis define him, Julian spent his time embracing life, taking up dancing at age four, becoming a pro at age 14, and his career spanned 40 years before he revealed that he was living with the diagnosis in 2018 on the Late Late Show. Arthur Gourounlian and Nicky Byrne attend the funeral of Julian Benson Pic: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
He went on to start the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, with its legacy being Tranquility House — a home that boasts four pods for families of those living with Cystic Fibrosis.
His family announced his passing via a statement that revealed he passed away surrounded by his family 'following a courageous battle' with Cystic Fibrosis.
They added: 'The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the care teams who helped Julian live a full and extraordinary life, in particular: the incredible Cystic Fibrosis team at St Vincent's University Hospital, whose expertise and compassion supported Julian throughout his life; the transplant team at Beaumont Hospital, whose care gave Julian renewed energy and allowed him to see his dream realised and the ICU team at St Vincent's, who cared for Julian with tenderness and kindness during his final days.' Eoghan McDermott is greeted by another mourner at the church ahead of Julian Benson's funeral Pic: Church of the Sacred Heart Donnybrook
Among the mourners who gathered at Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook was former 2FM DJ Eoghan McDermott, who paid tribute to the dancer after his passing.
He was one of those asked to deliver a prayer of the faithful, and mentioned how people had thought to wear their sparkly and most colourful outfits in a whatsapp group and while 'most have chickened out' he shared that Julian would be delighted to see those who braved it. Dancing with the Stars Ireland judge Brian Redmond at the funeral of former judge Julian Benson Pic: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
Also in attendance were DWTS judges Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian (who took over from Julian on the judging panel), Westlife star Nicky Byrne, RTÉ's Dermot Bannon, and model Sarah McGovern.
As President Michael D Higgins is in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, his Aide-De-Camp Captain McMahon also attended.
During the funeral, two of Julian's friends, Derek and Sarah, gave touching eulogies as did his brother Adrian, who choked back tears paying tribute to his big brother. Julian Benson and the team at the unveiling of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Tranquility House in Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Adrian said: 'On a final note, above all else, for me, Julian was simply my brother. We grew up together, we played together, shared our fears, protected one another, we fought each other, made amends, but ultimately, loved one another.
'I was very lucky to have him as a brother for as long as I did, and I was very proud of him. Rachel and I, Leah Cian and Ailbhe will miss him dearly. Say hi to mom for me, Julian. Give her a big, big hug and a kiss from both of us.'
Derek shared that he would have preferred to be in the pews with everyone with his own thoughts, saying: 'To be honest, as you can probably tell, I feel reluctant standing up here today. Part of me would just like to sit where you are quietly with my thoughts. Dermot Bannon attends Julian Benson's funeral Pic: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
'But Julian had a way of making you really believe that you could do anything you set your mind to.
'I can hear him now. 'Derek, ready. We're live in five. Pose, diction, smile, eye contact, we're live to the nation', and already I feel better. So today I'm standing here to honour our beautiful friendship Julian.'
Sarah in turn shared a hilarious story about how the spotlight just followed Julian around even when he was trying to stay in the background, leaving her stranded at her own wedding. A photo of Julian Benson is brought into the church for his funeral Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
She explained: 'Julian didn't want to take any of the shine from Gearoid and I, so he declined to be the Bridesman or have any official role in the wedding party, he really wanted it to be our day to shine, particularly me.
'However, when he and [his mother] Maura arrived in Venice wearing cream linen and silk outfits looking like Valentino and his rich Contessa, our gondolier mistook them for the bride and groom and brought them to the reception, stranding the real bride and groom at the church.
'So even when Julian shunned the limelight, it just sought him out. He was just born to shine.'
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