That the Bank of Ireland are about to go to court for the third time doesn't bode well. Neither does the fact that you've cashed in the endowment which is supposed to pay off the mortgage at the end of the term. If you are able to keep the house and pay the mortgage once you're in work, how do you intend to pay the capital at the end of the term?(posted 8352 days ago)Not having the co-owner around does cause a problem for you. I would suggest that you see a solicitor about this and find out what to do. That the co-owner has been gone for 9 years might be significant.
Prepare yourself well for court. Do the usual, dress smartly etc and bring documentation with you, proofs of income, job offers etc, so that you can show the judge this is just a short lapse in fortunes.
A solicitor or other advisor with experience in these matters will be able to give you a good idea of what your chances are. As the house is worth double what you paid, it might be worth selling and buying somewhere else.