1 EXHIBIT 23.5--CONSENT OF BARNES & THORNBURG BARNES & THORNBURG 600 1st Source Bank Center 100 North Michigan South Bend, Indiana 46601-1632 U.S.A. (219) 233-1171 Fax (219) 237-1125 March 3, 1999 Board of Directors First Financial Bancorp Third and High Street Hamilton, Ohio 45011 Re: Form S-4 Registration Statement to be filed by First Financial Bancorp concerning merger of Sand Ridge Financial Corporation into First Financial Bancorp (the "Registration Statement") Gentlemen: We consent to the use of our name under the caption "Legal M atters" in the Proxy Statement-Prospectus included in the Registration Statement and to the filing of this letter as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement. Very truly yours, BARNES & THORNBURG