As founding rector of the Catholic University in Dublin, Newman’s pet project was the Historical, Literary and Aesthetical Society, a student-run society which was an outlet for debating, journalism and the reading of papers.

Just before the ‘cult of games’ took off at the public schools and universities, Newman ensured that his university acquired a cricket pitch, as well as a billiards table, and was delighted that the collegiate houses each had their own cricket and rowing teams.