Ciaran McMenamin, actor and author from Enniskillen, has spoken about his creative journey and the film adaptation of his novel Skintown. He credits the Ardhowen theatre in Enniskillen with fostering his early interest in acting, recalling that a studio there was where he discovered his professional and personal direction. He said that encouragement from his mother and a teacher, Tommy Sheridan, helped him pursue acting.

McMenamin attended St. Michael's in Enniskillen. He left after an argument with a priest, which he said was more a case of leaving before being expelled. He reflected that Catholic grammar schools in Northern Ireland at the time produced a new middle class but had little room for individuality, with limited interest in subjects like English literature or drama.

His writing has become more personal. His latest novel, The Journey, is fictional but rooted in his reaction to his mother's death. He described it as a black comedy about death and a wake, and said writing has helped him process difficult experiences. The book was written quickly, over six months.

For his second novel, The Sunken Road, McMenamin conducted extensive historical research, including reading accounts of soldiers from the area who fought at the Somme, and placed characters in the correct regiments.

Skintown was adapted into a film directed by Kieran Walsh. McMenamin wrote the screenplay, which was a reimagining of the novel. The film's plot was changed, including reducing a group of travelling characters to two central characters and adding a new character: a Black British soldier from Moss Side in Manchester who goes absent without leave to attend a music event at Kelly's in Portrush. McMenamin said the friendship between this soldier and a character named Vinny became his favourite part of the film. He added that the character allowed him to explore the experiences of English soldiers, which he felt were rarely portrayed.

Casting changed during production. Anthony Boyle was initially set to play the lead but had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts. Jamie-Lee O'Donnell's role was expanded after she read the script; McMenamin added a love interest element. He said she was funny and stole scenes.

McMenamin said he was nervous about how people from Enniskillen would react to the film because it portrays the town, but the film version is slightly different from the book, being more realistic and presenting a generic Northern Irish town. After its screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, he said the reaction of Northern Irish attendees was brilliant and put him at ease.

He highlighted the film's humour, which he described as gallows humour, and said he was proudest of the fact that the film is funny despite its serious themes.

McMenamin said he returns to Fermanagh frequently and feels more complete and relaxed there, and that he has started most of his books while at home.

He said the BBC and RTÉ have TV rights to the film, but a date for a hometown premiere in Enniskillen has not yet been confirmed. He has raised the matter with those in control and wants the film to have its day in Enniskillen.