EXHIBIT 23(a)





                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 for Peoples Ohio Financial Corporation of our report dated July 19,
2001, on the consolidated financial statements of Peoples Savings Bank of Troy,
as of June 30, 2001, and for the year then ended which report and financial
statements are incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Peoples Ohio Financial Corporation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.



                                          /s/ BKD, LLP
                                          ------------------------------
                                          BKD, LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
January 30, 2002