Latest news with #JulianBensonCysticFibrosisFoundation
RTÉ News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Sparkle and courage mark Julian Benson's funeral
A sparkly cap was placed at the front of the coffin of the late dancer, choreographer and talent agent, Julian Benson, as his family and friends gathered for his funeral in Donnybrook this morning. Benson, who died aged 54 at St Vincent's University Hospital on 18 April, was part of the original judging panel on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was two years old, Benson defied a prognosis that he would not live beyond his teens. After moving from Adelaide to Ireland, he became a professional dancer at 14 and built a glittering career, complete with his trademark sequined jackets that earned him his nickname, Captain Sparkle. During the service, Fr Ivan Tonge quipped that only Benson could have upstaged Pope Francis, whose own funeral took place this morning. Fr Tonge praised Benson's gift for bringing "colour into our lives" and urged mourners to carry forward his spirit of love, hope and joy. In a moving eulogy, Benson's younger brother Adrian painted a portrait of the man behind the sparkle: "He was a devoted son, a loyal brother and a caring uncle," he said. "Behind the glitz, he spread fun, positivity and happiness - whether on television or at our family gatherings, where everyone joined in his creative projects." Adrian paid tribute to Benson's courage as a "cystic fibrosis warrior" who "achieved so much in the face of adversity." He recalled how, in 2018 on The Late Late Show, Julian publicly revealed his condition and announced the founding of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, declaring, "I have Cystic Fibrosis, but Cystic Fibrosis doesn't have me." That same year, he partnered with architect Dermot Bannon to open Tranquility House in Dublin, providing a "home away from home" for patients undergoing treatment at St Vincent's. President Michael D Higgins was represented by Captain Chloe McMahon - a gesture Adrian said would have deeply honoured his brother.
Extra.ie
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
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/© 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/© 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/© '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/ 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.'
Dublin Live
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Julian Benson funeral details confirmed as family pay tribute to hospital staff
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Funeral details have been confirmed for former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson. The Australian-born choreographer died at the age of 54 on Friday following a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. He will repose at Fanagans Funeral Home, Aungier Street on Friday, April 25 between 5pm until 7pm with his family saying "all are most welcome" to attend. His funeral will take place at 11am in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, followed by burial at Glasnevin Cemetery. His family also paid tribute to the medical teams who cared for him during his illness. In a post on they wrote: "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." Julian, who was affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, was diagnosed with CF when he was two-years-old. He kept his diagnosis private for over 40 years and only revealed his lifelong illness during an emotional appearance on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy in 2018. 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 is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, and his beloved nieces and nephew. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The Irish Sun
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson to be laid to rest this week as funeral details announced
THE funeral arrangements for former Dancing With The Stars icon Julian Benson have been released. 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: 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".
