Hi Sullie,
I don't think any Bank Manager in Ireland has ANY interest in aviation!!!!
I am slowly going through the golden pages of anyone who will lend money (legal or non legal ha ha) , but unless you have a fat juicy mortgage to wave at them they are not interested.
Bank of Scotland was prepared to give €10'000 - €15'000 if i could get a guarantor but would not be keen on extending any further amounts unless i was a long-standing customer (fair enough) so that might get you started.
AIB do a good loan deal (unsecured) but they want re-payments pretty much staight away, but i can't remember for how much.
Im doing the rounds on teh UK banks at the moment as I still have an address in the UK and have left a bank account open there, so i might get better joy.
Most said they would prefer to see a portfolio of yourself (kindof reassure them that this is something you have always wanted to do and not just a last minute call), but as you know with the cost of living over here all of them want to see a mortgage.
Perhaps if you have some sort of Degree or Professional Study, a few might offer you a follow on of their Graduate loan, but i wouldn't hold my breath out on that one.
Let me know if you get anywhere with any of them - id be interested to see if ive missed anyone.
Good Luck anyway - There's always the Lotto!!!!