1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

                                        
                        CONSENT OF SHIPMAN & GOODWIN LLP


     We hereby consent to the reference to this firm under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Westbank Corporation. In
giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



                                        /s/ Shipman & Goodwin LLP
                                        -------------------------
                                        Shipman & Goodwin LLP

September 30, 1998