Born in Dublin, Quinn started his career with St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland making his debut in a 2–1 loss to Shamrock Rovers in April 2004.
Sheffield United
Quinn signed for Sheffield United in 2005 and graduated from the Sheffield United Academy, he made his first team debut for the Blades in a League Cup win at Shrewsbury Town on 20 September 2005. Quinn spent some of the 2005–06 season on loan with Milton Keynes Dons and Rotherham United respectively, becoming a fan favourite at The Millers where his performances helped them to avoid relegation. Quinn made his Premiership debut for the Blades against Charlton Athletic, and could have almost scored within the first 40 seconds of the game. In his second appearance, a match against Aston Villa at Bramall Lane, he did score his first goal for the club. Quinn ended the season by winning the young player of the season award and was rewarded with a new contract. Sheffield United warded off interest allegedly from numerous Championship clubs during the summer 2011 transfer window, with Quinn being made aware of an offer – rejected by Sheffield United – from Blackpool by his agent. By 9 April 2012, Quinn provided more assists than any other player in League One. He also scored four goals in the 2011–12 season.
Hull City
Quinn joined Championship club Hull City on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee on 31 August 2012. It was later revealed that Hull City would pay Sheffield United £2,000 per game for his first 50 games for City. On 1 September 2012 at the KC Stadium against Bolton Wanderers, great work from Jay Simpson on the right edge saw him pull the ball back for Quinn, who marked his home debut with a simple finish past Ádám Bogdán from close range. Quinn enjoyed a highly successful first season in East Yorkshire, ending the campaign by winning Hull's Players' Player of the Season award as the Tigers were promoted to the Premier League under new manager Steve Bruce. On 13 April 2014, he scored Hull's fourth goal in their 5–3 FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium. On 17 May 2014 he started in the 2014 FA Cup Final against Arsenal. On 4 May 2015, Quinn scored for Hull City in a 1–3 defeat to Arsenal at the KC Stadium.
On 30 June 2015, Quinn signed a three-year contract with Reading after his deal with Hull City expired. Quinn scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 loss to Preston North End on 30 April 2016. Reading announced on 11 May 2018 that Quinn would leave the club at the end of his contract.
Burton Albion
On 22 August 2018, Quinn joined League One club Burton Albion on a short-term deal until January 2019.
International career
Quinn was called up by the Republic of Irelandfor the first time as part of the senior squad to face San Marino in the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier at the Serravalle Stadium on 4 February 2007. He made his U21 international debut in the 1–0 loss against the Netherlands in Venlo on 27 March. Quinn scored his first international goal in a 3–2 victory against Sweden U-21 in October 2007. Quinn won his first senior cap on 2 June 2013 when the Republic of Ireland beat Georgia 4–0. He would also go on to win a second cap against World Cup and European ChampionsSpain. On 7 September 2014 in Martin O'Neill's first competitive game in charge of Ireland, Quinn started his first competitive game against Georgia alongside Glenn Whelan and James McCarthy in midfield. Ireland won the game 2–1 thanks to a superb last minute winner by Aiden McGeady. Quinn admitted after the game that there was a "weight lifted off his shoulders" after making his competitive debut. Quinn started in the memorable 1–1 draw against Germany, Quinn was criticised in the media for the German goal for standing off and allowing Toni Kroos the time to shoot and score.
Career statistics
Club
International
Personal life
Stephen Quinn is the younger brother of former Ipswich Town and Sheffield United midfielder Alan Quinn and the older brother of former fellow Sheffield United midfielder Keith Quinn. He is nicknamed Mini Quinny in reference to older brother Alan.
