Richard Ryan, Biographia Hibernica: Irish Worthies, Vol.II [of 2] (London & Dublin 1821), pp.589-91.

THIS pious and exemplary prelate of the established church, was born on April 6th, 1659, at Innishowane, of which place his father, who was afterwards promoted to the see of Cork, was then vicar. He received the first rudiments of his education at the grammar-school in Cork, {590} which, at a proper age, he quitted for Oxford, where he took the degree of A.B.; but, on the death of his father, which took place soon after, he returned to his native country, and continued hi9 studies in Trinity college. He soon obtained a small preferment in the diocese of Meath, of the value of £100 a year, which he exchanged for the vicarage of Christchurch in Cork, of nearly the same value. This he held for upwards of twenty years, performing the laborious duties of his cure with the most active zeal, for the most part without assistance. During this period he obtained several small additional preferments, increasing his annual income to near £400.

In the year 1699, an offer was made him on the part of the government, of the deanery of Derry, a dignity of double the value of his own preferments, which, however, he declined from motives of filial piety, his aged mother being unwilling to remove from a spot where she had passed so great a portion of her life. In 1703, he was elected proctor for the chapter of Cork, in the convocation then summoned; and soon after nominated by the crown to the deanery of St. Patrick’s, Dublin. The chapter, however, refused to submit to this nomination, and maintained their own right of election, by choosing Dr. John Sterne, then chancellor of the cathedral; and the question being, after a full discussion, decided in their favour, a compromise took place, and Mr. Synge was appointed to the vacant chancellorship. In this new preferment, which included the cure of the populous parish of St. Werburgh, the worthy divine by no means relaxed from that diligent attention to his duties, which had previously characterised him, and speedily became a popular preacher. During this time he took his doctor’s degree, and in 1713, was appointed proctor for the chapter.

Dr. Sterne being promoted to the see of Dromore, Dr. Synge succeeded him as vicar-general to the see of Dublin; and in 1714, shortly after the accession of George I, was made bishop of Raphoe. His zealous attachment to the principles of the Revolution, and his exertions in favour [590] of the Hanover succession, were further rewarded in the year 1716, with the archbishopric of Tuam, which he held till his death, which happened on July 24th, 1741, in the eighty-third year of his age. The writings of this excellent prelate, consisting of small tracts, which have, separately, passed through many editions, form 4 vols. 12mo.