He later played for Sean O'Leary's Newbridge winning Derry Senior Football Championship medals with the club.
[1] He was shorter than most midfielders,[1] but made up for this with his excellent spring and catching abilities,[1][2] which drew McGuinness comparisons with Jim McKeever.
[1][2] Along with his ability to out-jump bigger opponents was his capability to score long-range points[1] and his free-running play was described as a "nightmare for defenders".
McGuinness had one sister, Geraldine, and five brothers: John, William, Paul, Declan and Martin, the latter being a prominent Sinn Féin politician and former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
When the Steelstown club started up in Derry City he made a playing comeback, lending his experience to the younger players.
[1] McGuinness first came to prominence as part of the Derry Under-21 side that won both the Ulster Under-21 and All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championships in 1968.
[1] In 1970 McGuinness helped Derry win the Ulster Senior Football Championship,[1] overcoming Antrim in the final.