Packs, tribes, and brotherhoods: The importance of male friendships

Mary Cate Smith on the importance on male friendships

'Most times even when the future seems insurmountably bleak, all that’s needed is a sympathetic ear to allow you express your anxiety or frustrations.'

“When men find a comfortable style of clothes – jeans and a t-shirt – they live in that for the rest of their lives. I think it might be the same where friends are concerned. You find somebody that fits you and you stick with that person for the rest of your life.” 

Chris Keating, 59, grew up in Blackpool in Cork, building makeshift dams and swimming holes with eight of his best friends, including his brother. All the boys had nicknames: Chris was Teasey, the ultimate messer of the gang and Cooksey was called after Cookie Monster on account of him devouring Marietta biscuit sandwiches with lashing of butter.