EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the inclusion of our report dated February 3, 1998 in the annual report on Form 10-K of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. /s/ Eskew & Gresham, PSC ------------------------------ Eskew & Gresham, PSC Lexington, Kentucky March 25, 1998