Julian Benson's pals Arthur Gourounlian and Nicky Byrne first to arrive in Donnybrook ahead of star studded funeral

The Irish Sun

26-04-2025

RTE co-star Arthur Gourounlian and Westlife's Nicky Byrne have arrived at the church ahead of Dancing With The Stars' Julian Benson's funeral mass.
A funeral procession was held in
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Dermot Bannon made an appearance
Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
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DWTS judge Arthur Gourounlian and Westlife's Nicky Byrne at the funeral of Julian Benson
Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
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The funeral of Julian Benson Dancing with the Stars judge at Donnybrook, Dublin
Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Members of the public hit the streets of Dublin earlier today to remember the dancer as the funeral procession passed through the city.
Julian's remains arrived at Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook ahead of a star-studded funeral mass at 11am.
The
Several well-known faces made appearances at the funeral to say their final goodbyes to Julian.
READ MORE ON JULIAN BENSON
DWTS judge Arthur Gourounlian and Westlife's Nicky Byrne both were tearfully seen arriving at the church.
They were joined by heartbroken friends Dermot Bannon and Sarah McGovern.
President Michael D Higgins Aide-De-Camp Captain McMahon also attended, as the President attended the Pope's funeral in Rome.
His heartbroken loved ones said his "strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end".
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A statement on behalf of his family said: "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.
"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.
"He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants."
FOREVER MISSED'
Speaking following his death,
They said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson.
"Our very own Captain Sparkle who brought so much joy, brilliance and talent to the world.
"His attitude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation - his legacy will live on forever.
"Julian was one of a kind, and will be forever missed.
"The world lost a bit of sparkle today."
'BEACON OF JOY'
Dancing With The Stars judge Loraine Barry said: 'Julian Benson was a beacon of joy and passion.
'Despite facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis from a young age, he lived with a heart full of love and an unyielding zest for life.
'His enthusiasm was truly contagious, inspiring everyone around him to embrace life with love and gratitude.
'Julian's spirit reminds us all to find joy in every moment and to live life to the fullest.
'LEGACY OF WARMTH'
'His legacy of warmth and kindness will forever remain in our hearts. I was so lucky to meet and spend time with him. There was never a dull moment only laughter. . . Rest in peace my beautiful friend.'
Dancing With The Stars judge Karen Byrne said Julian was a "true gentleman".
Paying tribute on Instagram, she said: "So sad to hear the news of Julian's passing.
"He was a true gentleman and always there to give his advice in this crazy industry that we work in.
"Captain Sparkle will be truly missed."
'COLOURFUL PERSON'
Model Rosanna Davison also spoke of her devastation.
She said: "Heartbroken to learn today of Julian Benson's passing.
"He was such a brave, kind, encouraging, fun and colourful person and had a huge impact on those of us lucky enough to work with him and call him a friend.
"I first met Julian way back in 2002, when he cast me in the UCD 2003 Fashion Show.
"He was a talented choreographer and producer, an inspiring teacher and gave me and all involved such confidence on stage.
"It's hard to even express the positive impact he had, the encouragement he gave us and the enthusiasm he showed.
"He was so passionate about his
"Julian will be sadly missed by so many of us. Sending all my love to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Julian."
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Sarah MCGovern at the funeral of Julian
Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
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Julian died last weekend
Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin