Taffer,
If you have been asked to come back after 6 months that is very good news as the standard wait time is 12.
Be critical with yourself about why you failed. Leadership is the key and carries the most weight and it wouldn't surprise me from you comments that this is your weak area. Have you done one of the Leadership Development Course at Collingwood. If not why not.
Not all are asked to return so talk to your ACLO get refreshed on why you failed (he knows), and get to it.
Si.
PS Paying for your own flying is just a waste of cash! It will have no bearing at AIB.