Stephen McGuinness (born 2 August 1973) is an Irish former footballer. A centre half, he played schoolboy football for Home Farm and spent his schooldays in Patrician College, Finglas, a school which has produced many Republic of Ireland underage internationals players, and most notably two full international players in Alan Moore (footballer) and Ronnie Whelan. McGuinness made his League of Ireland debut for Home Farm against St James' Gate on 11 October 1992. He joined St Patrick's Athletic in 1997 where he had a very successful four years before joining Dundalk where his stay was to be brief following their relegation in 2002. McGuinness was Liam Buckley's first signing at Shamrock Rovers and in his two seasons he scored 3 times in 30 appearances which included one goal from 2 appearances in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup He made his Rovers debut on 11 July 2002. In his first appearance against his old club he was sent off. He scored his first League goal on 3 January 2003. McGuinness missed Rovers game at Slovan Liberec in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in July 2003 due to his marriage. On his last appearance for the Hoops he scored the equaliser. He then spent another two seasons at Oriel Park before retiring. Stephen McGuinness is currently the General Secretary of the PFAI. Honours League of Ireland: 2 St Patrick's Athletic F.C. 1995/96, 1997/98 FAI Cup Dundalk F.C. 2002 References Republic of Ireland association footballers Association football defenders Home Farm F.C. players St Patrick's Athletic F.C. players Dundalk F.C. players Shamrock Rovers F.C. players League of Ireland players Association footballers from Dublin (city) 1973 births Living people