EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the inclusion of our report dated February 18, 1999 in the annual report on Form 10-K of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of years in the three year period ended December 31, 1998. /s/ Crowe, Chizek and Company, LLP ----------------------------------------- Crowe, Chizek and Company, LLP Lexington, Kentucky March 26, 1999