EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement Form
S-8 pertaining to the shares of Provident  Financial Group, Inc. Common Stock to
be issued  under  the  Glenway  Financial  Corporation  1990  Stock  Option  and
Incentive Plan, the Fidelity Federal Savings Bank 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, the
Fidelity  Financial of Ohio,  Inc.  1997 Stock Option Plan,  the OHSL  Financial
Corp.  1992 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and the Provident  Financial  Group,
Inc. 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan of our report dated January 19, 1999,  with
respect to the consolidated  financial  statements of Provident Financial Group,
Inc.  included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended  December 31,
1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                              /s/ Ernst & Young, LLP
                                              Ernst & Young, LLP


Cincinnati, Ohio
February 9, 2000