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Dublin Live
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Julian Benson's funeral remembers man who spread 'fun, joy and positivity everywhere'
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 Former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson was remembered as a man who spread "fun, joy and positivity everywhere he went" at his funeral mass. The much-loved 54-year-old died "very peacefully" on April 18 surrounded by his family in St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin. The Australian-born Irish talent agent was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just two years old. Last year, he received a kidney transplant, which he described as "the best Christmas present". Heartbroken mourners from the world of TV and radio, including Nicky Byrne and Arthur Gourounilian, arrived at his funeral on Saturday morning at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. His brother Aidan told the congregation in a tearful tribute: "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." The mourners also included President Michael D Higgins' Aide-De-Camp, Captain McMahon. Derek, a friend of Mr Benson's, said they had been "friends, close friends almost 27 years". He said: "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. 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. (Image: Leah Farrell/© "Julian had a way of making you believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Being a friend to Julian was interesting because on the surface, it was all glam, night clubs, launches, fashion shows, gala balls, dinners, TV, radio, not your typical friendship resume, I think you'll agree. "But beyond all that, our friendship was very, 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. "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. "When I first met Julian in the dance centre nearly 40 years ago, this vibrant, confident, unafraid, 14-year-old tried to hustle a shy 13-year-old me into selling him my Walkman and my skinny black tie, and then a few weeks later, he declared himself as my best friend. That was that then. "Julian had a fantastic ability to spot his friends' hidden talents and unexpressed dreams because life and time were the most precious commodities for him, he felt it was a terrible waste to not do what you loved in the time you were given. Therefore he was always so supportive and positive, encouraging people to pursue their dreams, and as Derek said, to go outside their comfort zones and push themselves a little bit more into the light." Mr Benson's oak coffin was adorned with white lilies and roses. His close friend and chief celebrant of the concelebrated Requiem Mass, Fr Ivan Tonge, joked saying Julian was even trying to upstage Pope Francis' funeral today. "You have to give him (Julian) credit for upstaging the Pope (Francis's funeral) today, you really do." Gifts including two paintings from his art collection, a photograph of his late mother Maura and one of Mr Benson's sparkly hats was brought to the altar. His coffin was carried out of the church to the music, I Could Have Danced All Night. In 2018, Mr Benson set to the Julian Benson CF Foundation in a bid to raise funds to set up Tranquility House, which is a house in Dublin which offers respite for CF families. He documented this journey for a special episode of RTÉ's Room to Improve alongside Dermot Bannon. Julian told RSVP Live at the time in January when Tranquility House opened: "Never in a million years did I dream that I would have a transplant and the dream home for CF families. I am nine weeks post transplant, you couldn't write the story. "I got the call out of the blue nine weeks ago saying they had a kidney and I needed to be in the hospital in an hour and a half. I was sitting at home and the funny thing is I started to run around cleaning. It is so Irish." He added: "I vowed years ago if I got that chance, and I got success in my career, I would use my platform for good. It is a dream come true. I believe things happen for a reason and the universe works in strange ways. I have a new lease of life and a dream home for families. I couldn't ask for more. "I get up and get on with it - stay fit, stay fresh and stay focused. I won't give up. It is all positive. I couldn't speak after the transplant because of the tube and I was asking them if everything was okay with the house by writing on a board. They thought I was crackers. They say it takes a village, but all of Ireland came together here. "This is a celebration of the Irish people and kindness and true love. Everyone gave all their time and services for nothing. It is very rare to see that in this day and age. This has been a dream for so many years." Families can use the house in Rathgar to base themselves while their loved one is in hospital. Mr Benson said at the time: "The beauty about this is that it is free. Nobody is paying a penny. We look after them and fill the fridge." Mr Benson is survived 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 wider circle of friends. He has been buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. 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. 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Irish Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Julian Benson remembered as man who spread 'fun, joy and positivity everywhere'
Former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson was remembered as a man who spread "fun, joy and positivity everywhere he went" at his funeral mass. The much-loved 54-year-old died 'very peacefully' on April 18 surrounded by his family in St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin. The Australian-born Irish talent agent was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just two years old. Last year, he received a kidney transplant, which he described as 'the best Christmas present'. Heartbroken mourners from the world of TV and radio, including Nicky Byrne and Arthur Gourounilian, arrived at his funeral on Saturday morning at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. His brother Aidan told the congregation in a tearful tribute: "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." The mourners also included President Michael D Higgins' Aide-De-Camp, Captain McMahon. Derek, a friend of Mr Benson's, said they had been 'friends, close friends almost 27 years". He said: '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. 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. "Julian had a way of making you believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Being a friend to Julian was interesting because on the surface, it was all glam, night clubs, launches, fashion shows, gala balls, dinners, TV, radio, not your typical friendship resume, I think you'll agree. "But beyond all that, our friendship was very, 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. '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. "When I first met Julian in the dance centre nearly 40 years ago, this vibrant, confident, unafraid, 14-year-old tried to hustle a shy 13-year-old me into selling him my Walkman and my skinny black tie, and then a few weeks later, he declared himself as my best friend. That was that then. "Julian had a fantastic ability to spot his friends' hidden talents and unexpressed dreams because life and time were the most precious commodities for him, he felt it was a terrible waste to not do what you loved in the time you were given. "Therefore he was always so supportive and positive, encouraging people to pursue their dreams, and as Derek said, to go outside their comfort zones and push themselves a little bit more into the light." Mr Benson's oak coffin was adorned with white lilies and roses. His close friend and chief celebrant of the concelebrated Requiem Mass, Fr Ivan Tonge, joked saying Julian was even trying to upstage Pope Francis' funeral today. 'You have to give him (Julian) credit for upstaging the Pope (Francis's funeral) today, you really do.' Gifts including two paintings from his art collection, a photograph of his late mother Maura and one of Mr Benson's sparkly hats was brought to the altar. His coffin was carried out of the church to the music, I Could Have Danced All Night. In 2018, Mr Benson set to the Julian Benson CF Foundation in a bid to raise funds to set up Tranquility House, which is a house in Dublin which offers respite for CF families. He documented this journey for a special episode of RTÉ's Room to Improve alongside Dermot Bannon. Julian told RSVP Live at the time in January when Tranquility House opened: "Never in a million years did I dream that I would have a transplant and the dream home for CF families. I am nine weeks post transplant, you couldn't write the story. "I got the call out of the blue nine weeks ago saying they had a kidney and I needed to be in the hospital in an hour and a half. I was sitting at home and the funny thing is I started to run around cleaning. It is so Irish." He added: "I vowed years ago if I got that chance, and I got success in my career, I would use my platform for good. It is a dream come true. I believe things happen for a reason and the universe works in strange ways. I have a new lease of life and a dream home for families. I couldn't ask for more. "I get up and get on with it - stay fit, stay fresh and stay focused. I won't give up. It is all positive. "I couldn't speak after the transplant because of the tube and I was asking them if everything was okay with the house by writing on a board. They thought I was crackers. They say it takes a village, but all of Ireland came together here. This is a celebration of the Irish people and kindness and true love. "Everyone gave all their time and services for nothing. It is very rare to see that in this day and age. This has been a dream for so many years." Families can use the house in Rathgar to base themselves while their loved one is in hospital. Mr Benson said at the time: "The beauty about this is that it is free. Nobody is paying a penny. We look after them and fill the fridge.' Mr Benson is survived 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 wider circle of friends. He has been buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
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.
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.'
