EXHIBIT 32.2

      CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC FINANCIAL REPORT BY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
            PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 of
First Financial Bancorp. (the "Company"), as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on August 8, 2003 (the "Report"), I, C. Douglas Lefferson,
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify,
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

     (3)  The report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
          15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     (4)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
          material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
          of the Company.

/s/ C. Douglas Lefferson
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C. Douglas Lefferson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

November 7, 2003