Dave,
No lender has to give anyone a loan.
When you got the (shoe) from home , did you let CU know ? As far as they were concerned, you alone decided to change the Rules on repayments, explaining your position later and expecting (forgiveness) or more money is a bit naiive .
Would you lend a friend money for 6 months and relend to him again if he repaid the first loan 10 Months ? I think not.
You are not (blacklisted) as such. Go into ICB , irish credit bureau and get your credit listing.
If CU has marked your slow payments it will take circa 2 years clear payments before CU will entertain you.Most other lenders will have a dim view of you for longer than 2 years.
CU would have charged you circa 7% that means they made circa e200 and remember most of that 200 goes to look after accounts ie they make little nuff!
Can I suggest (please) be very careful about future accounts.