 Newman was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, graduating BA in 1803 and Master of Arts in 1808.He was ordained Deacon on 6 July 1806 and priest on 12 July 1807.Newman spent his whole career at Cork Cathedral, firstly as a curate, then as Prebendary of Kilbrogan from 1818 to 1842; and finally Dean of Cork from 1842  until his death.