I am one of those guys with the same (none) experience level.
But I'm not surprised about your story abut shamrock.
This is as old as aviation it self.
It s*cks but if your mommy and daddy know friends in high places....
Unfortunately I’m the only flying-fool in the family.
I had my training in the Netherlands but also flew in the states where I met an Irish guy who payed half, yes HALF, the price of my training. Completed as an FAA-pilot, got the conversion to Irish JAA.
I’m still looking for a job, he has been flying as FO for ryanair for almost a year now.
His dad knows some folks at ryanair…