Well-known Irish artist John Shinnors is recovering in hospital after being seriously injured in a road traffic crash in Limerick.

The 64-year-old was struck by a van driven by an off duty Garda on the M7 motorway shortly before 11am today.

The collision took place near the Ballysimon interchange and the van driver, who was travelling northbound, swerved to avoid Mr Shinnors, who suffered serious leg injuries.

It is understood the artist’s car may have broken down and he was struck while crossing the road.

It is believed the evasive action may have prevented more serious injury to Mr Shinnors.

As is customary when a member of An Garda Siochana is involved in an accident GSOC has been notified.

“The driver of the van swerved to the right to avoid the pedestrian and clipped him with the left hand side of the car,” a garda spokesman said.

Mr Shinnors suffered two broken legs and is recovering at University Hospital Limerick where his condition was described as “serious but stable”.

Born in Limerick in 1950, Shinnors studied at the Limerick School of Art and Design under the influential Jack Donovan.

He has held regular solo exhibitions in Ireland since the 1980’s and also in London.

His work is represented in numerous public and private collection and is the recipient of several awards.

Earlier this year he curated a unique exhibition in his native city called The “Personal Choice” exhibition to mark Limerick’s year as national City of Culture.

The Shinnors exhibition at the Church Gallery in the LSAD Clare Street campus comprised the works of 20 distinguished former students of the Limerick School of Art and Design.