JULIAN Benson was remembered as "a family man" during a heartbreaking eulogy was said for the "man behind the sparkle" at his funeral. The former Dancing With The Stars judge was buried in his Dublin on Saturday afternoon - a week following his death at 54. 5 Julian was laid to rest in Donnybrook Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 5 RTE's Arthur Gourounlian and Nicky Byrne arrive at the funeral Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 5 Julian was best known for Dancing With The Stars Credit: Kyran O’Brien Photography Julian's remains arrived at Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook ahead of a star-studded funeral mass at 11am. The talented dancer and choreographer, who was diagnosed with the Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two, died surrounded by family and friends on April 18. With hundreds huddled into the church, many had shown up in glitz and glamour as a way of honouring Julian. 'GLITZ AND GLAMOUR' His brother, Adrian, ended the service to share words about his younger brother, remembering how the two grew up as polar opposites but at the end of it all, were simply brothers. Adrian said that the world will remember Julian for the "glitz and the glamour", but he wanted to speak of the "man behind the sparkle". He said: "He tried to convince me to join his dance troupe, but I respectfully declined. He was the artist and I was the sportsman. It was also the first time he was exposed to the world of theatre. "He immediately found what would prove to be both a powerful tool for keeping his body healthy and a path to his future career. "From an early age, Julian was always trying to set off the fireworks so to speak, go big or go home as he would say while I was always trying to live the quiet life by flying below the radar. Nevertheless, Julian flourished." 'FAMILY MAN' Adrian thanked his big brother for instilling confidence in him as a shy teen, and the love he showed his nieces and nephew throughout their lives. Adrian said: "He was a family man. Julian absolutely adored his nieces and nephew, our daughters, Leah and Ailbhe and my son Cian. Julian Benson delivered poignant 'life is short' message in final public appearance speech "They in turn loved him dearly and the fact that that they had a famous uncle. "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 and I was very lucky to have him as a brother for as long as I did and I was very proud of him." 'BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP' Speaking ahead of the funeral, Julian's close and life-long friend Derek shared his memories of a simple life with his pal. Derek said: "Julian and I have been friends, close friends for 26 almost 27 years. I look beside me at John and Sarah. I realised something. "I'm the newbie of the group. Sarah was friends with Julian for over 40 years. John, they were cousins of course. They grew up together and were best pals for over 48 years. "I realised that there's something in this. The length of friendship. That said a lot about Julian and who he was because once you were friends with Julian, close friends, you were friends for life. "Today I'm standing here to honour our beautiful friendship. Being friends with Julian was an interesting experience because on the surface it was all glam, nightclubs, 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 in the Pier and Dun Laoghaire with the Teddy's ice cream, strolling around UCD, talking about old times. "Julian always said to me, Derek, we're making memories. And truthfully I probably never thought too much about that. But lately these memories that we made together have a lot more meaning. "So as I stand here today, heavy-hearted, I know that our hearts will be healed by the lasting memories that we made together over the 26, 40 and 48 years together. I love you, Julian." 'DOWN TO EARTH' Another pal Sarah shared how the two met at 14 when Julian tried to hustle her out of a Walkman at dance class - before declaring them best friends. She said: "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. "That enthusiasm was part of his public Captain Sparkle persona. But he really meant it. Private and personal Julian was low key, down to earth and very generous. "He really wanted to help people. That real down to earth Julian is where our souls met. "Julian was fiercely protective as a friend. He was just born to shine. Julian loved his friends with a passion and he was passionate about everything." 5 Julian was remembered as a family man Credit: www.kipcarroll.com