Sent them news, perhaps, of swan and mate (6)

I believe the answer is:

penpal

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'sent them news perhaps' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'swan and mate' is the wordplay.
'swan' becomes 'pen' (pen is a kind of swan).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'mate' becomes 'pal' (both can mean a friend).
'pen'+'pal'='PENPAL'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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