Latest news with #JulianBensonCFFoundation
BreakingNews.ie
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Dancing star and TV personality Julian Benson brought 'love, hope and joy', funeral hears
Dancing star and TV personality Julian Benson brought 'love, hope and joy' into people's live mourners at his Funeral Mass heard today. Mr Benson aka Captain Sparkle died in St Vincent's University Hospital on Good Friday, April 18th surrounded by his family and close friends. Advertisement Mourners began to gather outside the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook from 10:20am to pay their respects to the former Dancing with the Stars judge who died at the age of 54. Mr Benson lived with Cystic Fibrosis since his diagnosis at the age of two. He revealed his diagnosis publicly for the first time in an appearance on the Late Late Show in 2018 and went on to found the Julian Benson CF Foundation, an organisation helping to support people living with cystic fibrosis. His oak coffin adorned with a large white rose and lily floral wreath was carried into the church by six pallbearers. Close friend and chief celebrant of the concelebrated Requiem Mass Fr Ivan Tonge brought a moment of relief for mourners when he said: 'You have to give him (Julian) credit for upstaging the Pope (Francis's funeral) today, you really do.' Advertisement Fr Tonge added that he has an overriding image of Dublin being grey, brown and black 'except for Dublin Bus and Julian.' He continued: 'It's lovely to have someone to bring colour into our lives. Celebrate a life with love, hope and joy. These are three elements Julian has passed on to us. He would have us make a donation today to his foundation. His work was to bring love, hope and joy to people.' Mr Benson's two nieces Leah and Ailbhe and nephew Cian presented a photograph of their uncle and two roses at the altar. Explaining the symbols of the dancing star's life his cousin John Wall said two paintings from his art collection represented his love of art, a photograph of his late mother Maura whom he described as the 'dream team'. Advertisement Also presented was one of Mr Benson's sparkly hats, a friendship cap which encapsulated his 'remarkable ability to chat and to draw people to him,' Mr Wall recounted. A symbol from Tranquility House and a heart shaped cushion were finally offered to remind the congregation 'of the various facets of Julian's life'. His younger brother Adrian in his eulogy recalled emotionally how 'Julian was the artist and I was the sports person.' 'He loved the fact that he stood out, I was horrified. 'Go big or go home,' Julian would say, I was (always) trying to fly below the radar. Advertisement 'Julian was passionate, he spread joy, fun, positivity and happiness in his public and private life. What you saw is what you got. He was an inspiration to me and many others as he did not allow his illness to hold him back. "He was a family man. His nieces and nephews loved the fact of having a famous uncle. He had plans for a children's book and was working on a musical. Ultimately we loved one another and I was very proud of him. 'His biggest passion was Tranquility House, which helped the families of those being cared for with cystic fibrosis." Derek, a very good friend of Mr Benson noted that they had been 'friends, close friends almost 27 years. Advertisement 'The length of his friendships, said a lot about Julian, once you were close friends, you were friends for life. I feel reluctant standing here today. Julian had a way of making you believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. 'Being a friend to Julian was interesting. Our friendship was very simple, walks on Dún Laoghaire pier with Teddy's ice-cream, walks in UCD, Sunday drives, a trip to the cinema with toffee pop-corn, ice cream and fizzy drinks along with afternoon tea in every hotel in Ireland. 'He would say 'Derek we are making memories'. I know that our hearts will be healed by the memories over the years to come.' His best friend Sarah revealed how 'life and time were the most precious commodities' to him. 'Private and personal Julian, was private and low key - the real Julian. He really wanted to help people. Julian was fiercely protective of his friends. He was born to shine, we fought but we remained devoted to us. President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp Captain Chole McMahon. As Mr Benson's female friends escorted his coffin from the church after the 90 minute ceremony strains of I Could Have Danced All Night, rang out. Mr Benson was laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery.
Irish Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson remembered at funeral for ‘hope and joy' he brought
Dancer and television personality Julian Benson brought 'love, hope and joy' into people's lives, mourners at his Funeral Mass heard on Saturday. Mr Benson, also known as Captain Sparkle for his dazzling attire, died in St Vincent's University Hospital on Good Friday, April 18th, surrounded by his family and close friends. Mourners began to gather outside the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook from 10.20am to pay their respects to the former Dancing with the Stars judge who died at the age of 54. Mr Benson lived with cystic fibrosis since his diagnosis at the age of two. [ Julian Benson obituary: Dancer, choreographer and cystic fibrosis advocate Opens in new window ] He revealed his diagnosis publicly for the first time in an appearance on the Late Late Show in 2018 and went on to found the Julian Benson CF Foundation, an organisation helping to support people living with cystic fibrosis. READ MORE His oak coffin adorned with a large white rose and lily floral wreath was carried into the church by six pallbearers. Close friend and chief celebrant of the concelebrated Requiem Mass Fr Ivan Tonge brought a moment of relief for mourners when he said: 'You have to give him (Julian) credit for upstaging the Pope (Francis's funeral) today, you really do.' Fr Tonge said he has an over-riding image of Dublin being grey, brown and black 'except for Dublin Bus and Julian'. He said: 'It's lovely to have someone to bring colour into our lives. Celebrate a life with love, hope and joy. These are three elements Julian has passed on to us. He would have us make a donation today to his foundation. His work was to bring love, hope and joy to people.' Mr Benson's two nieces Leah and Ailbhe and nephew Cian presented a photograph of their uncle and two roses at the altar. Explaining the symbols of the dancing star's life, his cousin John Wall said two paintings from his art collection represented his love of art, a photograph of his late mother Maura whom he described as the 'dream team'. Also presented was one of Mr Benson's sparkly hats, a friendship cap which encapsulated his 'remarkable ability to chat and to draw people to him,' Mr Wall said. A symbol from Tranquility House, a home away from home for the cystic fibrosis community, and a heart-shaped cushion were finally offered to remind the congregation 'of the various facets of Julian's life'. His younger brother Adrian in his eulogy recalled emotionally how 'Julian was the artist and I was the sports person'. 'He loved the fact that he stood out, I was horrified. 'Go big or go home,' Julian would say, I was (always) trying to fly below the radar. 'Julian was passionate, he spread joy, fun, positivity and happiness in his public and private life. What you saw is what you got. He was an inspiration to me and many others as he did not allow his illness to hold him back. 'He was a family man. His nieces and nephews loved the fact of having a famous uncle. He had plans for a children's book and was working on a musical. Ultimately, we loved one another and I was very proud of him. 'His biggest passion was Tranquility House,' which helped the families of those being cared for with cystic fibrosis. Derek, a friend of Mr Benson's, said they had been 'friends, close friends almost 27 years. 'The length of his friendships, said a lot about Julian, once you were close friends, you were friends for life. I feel reluctant standing here today. Julian had a way of making you believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. 'Being a friend to Julian was interesting. Our friendship was very simple, walks on Dún Laoghaire pier with Teddy's ice-cream, walks in UCD, Sunday drives, a trip to the cinema with toffee popcorn, ice cream and fizzy drinks along with afternoon tea in every hotel in Ireland. 'He would say 'Derek we are making memories'. I know that our hearts will be healed by the memories over the years to come.' His best friend Sarah revealed how 'life and time were the most precious commodities' to him. 'Private and personal Julian, was private and low key – the real Julian. He really wanted to help people. Julian was fiercely protective of his friends. He was born to shine, we fought but we remained devoted to us. President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp Captain Chole McMahon. As Mr Benson's female friends escorted his coffin from the church after the 90-minute ceremony strains of I Could Have Danced All Night, rang out. Mr Benson was laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery.
Sunday World
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Funeral details announced for TV star Julian Benson, who died aged 54
Mr Benson died peacefully at St Vincent's Hospital on Saturday at the age of 54, surrounded by his family and friends. The funeral details for TV star and former Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson have been announced. Mr Benson died peacefully at St Vincent's Hospital on Saturday at the age of 54, surrounded by his family and friends. He will lie in repose at Fanagans Funeral Home on Dublin's Aungier Street on Friday, April 25 from 5pm to 7pm. A requiem mass will be held the following morning at 11am in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, with a funeral afterwards to be held at Glasnevin Cemetery. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age, Mr Benson's mother Maura was told he would not live into his teens. His death came after he had a kidney transplant last October. He revealed his diagnosis publicly for the first time in an appearance on the Late Late Show in 2018 and went on to found the Julian Benson CF Foundation, an organisation helping to support people living with cystic fibrosis. Mr Benson and the organisation have been working on the development of Tranquility House on Grosvenor Road in Dublin, which will provide accommodation for families of people living with cystic fibrosis while they undergo treatment. A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Mr Benson became widely known in 2017 when he became a judge on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars. He became known as 'Captain Sparkle' in a nod to his custom-made, sparkly outfits. In a statement released on Saturday, Mr Benson's 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 Cystic Fibrosis. "His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.' Mr Benson is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, nieces Leah and Ailbhe, nephew Cian, cousins, relatives, close friends and their families, and his wider circle of friends.
Extra.ie
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Funeral details announced for beloved TV star Julian Benson
Funeral details have been released for the late Julian Benson. The dancer, choreographer and former Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) judge died over the weekend following a 'courageous battle' with cystic fibrosis. Julian was diagnosed with the genetic disorder when he was just two years old but only revealed his condition in 2018. He was just 54 at the time of his passing. Funeral details have been released for the late Julian Benson. Pic: Brian McEvoy According to a notice on Julian will be laid to rest at Fanagans Funeral Home, located on Aungier Street on Friday, April 25, from 5 to 7 pm. His funeral mass will then be held at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook on Saturday, April 26, at 11 am. Following that, his funeral will take place in Glasnevin Cemetery. The dancer, choreographer and former Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) judge died over the weekend following a 'courageous battle' with cystic fibrosis. Pic: Brian McEvoy A statement from Julian's family confirmed he had died surrounded by his nearest and dearest 'following a courageous battle.' They extended thanks to the Cystic Fibrosis team at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin; the ICU team at St Vincent's; Beaumont Hospital's Transplant team and the care teams who helped him live an extraordinary and full life. Julian is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, and his beloved nieces and nephew. Julian was diagnosed with the genetic disorder when he was just two years old but only revealed his condition in 2018. He was just 54 at the time of his passing. Pic: Brian McEvoy Tributes poured in for the star, with Larry Bass, CEO of ShinAwil (producers of DWTS) writing: '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.' He added: 'Julian was one of a kind, and will be forever missed. The world lost a bit of sparkle today.' RTE Director-General Kevin Bakhurst said he is 'deeply saddened' by the news. 'Many people in Ireland will remember Julian as he burst onto our screens as a judge on Dancing with the Stars in 2017 and most recently joined forces with the Room to Improve team as he was the driving force to provide a house for the families of people with Cystic Fibrosis,' he said. 'He brought a contagious passion for life and for improving the lives of other people to the project. Julian has been a stalwart for people with CF and will be greatly missed by so many. My deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in peace.'
Irish Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Funeral details confirmed for former Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson
Funeral details have been announced for dancer, choreographer, talent agent and dancing judge, Julian Benson, who passed away at the weekend at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, aged 54. Benson, who lived in Ballsbridge in Dublin, was predeceased by his mother Maura. He is mourned by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, nieces Leah and Ailbhe and nephew Cian, as well as his cousins, relatives, close friends and their families, and a wide circle of friends. Julian will lie in repose at Fanagan's Funeral Home, Aungier Street on Friday April 25 from 5pm until 7pm. A requiem mass will be celebrated the following day at 11am in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook. Burial will follow at Glasnevin Cemetery. His loved ones have requested that donations be made to the Julian Benson CF Foundation in lieu of flowers. In a notice on Julian's family expressed 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,' Benson's death notice read. Benson's family confirmed his passing in a statement on Saturday after a 'courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis'. Mr Benson was diagnosed with the condition when he was a toddler, began dancing when he was just four years old and turned pro at the age of 14. He was best known for his time on the judging panel of RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars, where he was affectionately referred to as 'Captain Sparkle' for his trademark, sparkly, custom-made jackets. Julian kept his cystic fibrosis diagnosis private for over 40 years. It was only in 2018, during an appearance on The Late Late Show, that he revealed his lifelong illness and shared his dream of creating a charity to support people with his condition. 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.' He teamed up with Dermot Bannon, of RTÉ's Room to Improve, to create a home away from home for Cystic Fibrosis patients during their hospital treatments in Dublin. Tranquility House in Dublin assists families who otherwise would have to make a round trip from all over the country to St Vincent's Hospital, which is the National Referral hospital for cystic fibrosis. His relatives said that Julian always wanted to provide a place where families could '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 Room to Improve in January of this year, is a testament to the power of community and to Julian's unyielding determination. "Julian's sparkle remains alive in Tranquility House, in the continued work of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and in the hearts of all who knew him. "His energy, passion, and joy for life live on through the countless lives he touched, the community he built, and the legacy he leaves behind. 'Cha Cha Boom!' – his iconic catchphrase – will forever be synonymous with his vibrant spirit, his unwavering zest for life, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.' His family added that Julian retained his 'strength, warmth and sparkle until the very end'. 'He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.' Mr Benson was a native of Adelaide in Australia who moved to Ireland with his Irish parents when he was 12 years old. He was a graduate of UCD, where he obtained a degree in Psychology, English and Irish.
