Mates of the menfolk? (6)

I believe the answer is:

blokes

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'mates of the menfolk?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

This is the entire clue.

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(Another definition for blokes that I've seen is " Informal fellows".)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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